Rock Fishing newbie

[Eckscanarth]

How would I get into rock fishing? I live in Katoomba NSW and don't know anyone who does it.

[rockfisho]

Big Question. I dont know how expereinced you are at beach fishing, But that is the logical beginning. MAybe get a book on it. There are lots of tips out there. But ill let you in on a couple of the mandatory ones.
1. Always watch teh waves,.... always, have eyes in the back of your head for htem
2. dont get complacent about hte surf
3. Check the spot out thoroughly before you fish, and watch the wave action for a good 15 minutes if the ledge is low.
4. make sure you know what the weather and tides are doing that day.
5. If you hook a really good fish, remember safety first, plenty have been washed off trying to gaff a fish.
6. footwear... Rockspikes for weed / slime only. ONLY. they will trip you up otherwise. In other cases i use kaydee sandals, they are very grippy.
7. By no means last, try to go when there is another fisherman there. and watch what he is doing and learn.

hopefully this might get you on your way. cheers
Owen

[sleepygreg]

If I may add some other tips....especially if you are new to rock fishing. (I fished the stones between Jervis Bay and South West Rocks for the best part of 25years). In addition to ALL of the points Owen makes.

NEVER fish the rocks alone.
Do your research on sea conditions (you have much more technology available to you now than I had when I was starting out)
Check out your fishing platform for how you are going to get back to shore IF you get washed in (where you got washed in is NEVER an option) - and no one in their right mind is going to come in after you.
Look for the angel rings near your location - you may need them to save someone else....and someone else to save you.
ALWAYS let someone know where you are going - and when you intend to return home.
Do NOT wear heavy clothing that will become waterlogged if you go in. Try swimming in the pool wearing what you go fishing in to give you an idea of what I mean.
If you go in - swim AWAY from the rocks - then towards your identified exit point (preferably a beach near the rocks you are fishing on)
and by no means not least....if you arent a proficient swimmer - DO NOT go rockfishing.

Sorry to sound like I am trying to dissuade you from rock fishing, but we have had another two deaths today from people fishing the rocks in Sydney (and im still scratching my head as to why they would have been washed in where its reported they were fishing).

Rockfishing is (deaths per participant) the most dangerous sport in the world....PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE be careful.

I have lost too many mates to it....no fish is worth your life.

Greg

[Eckscanarth]

Thanks Owen and Greg :)

I've had some experience with beach fishing, only have a cheap Shimano reel and 12' rod spooled with some old braid but it does the job. I've caught tailor and the odd nice bream using squid heads, pipis and pillies. Tried metal lures but never had luck with 'em. Thanks for all the safety advice!! I'll get some Kaydee sandals as recommended and take some baby steps when it gets a bit warmer again in spring, probably on the NSW south coast when I can get there, like it down there.

1. What rigs do you normally use, please be as specific as you can (type of rig, hook sizes, sinker shapes and sizes, leader material, retrieval methods etc.)
2. Is a beach rod and spinning reel ok?
3. Is mono better than braid for rock fishing (abrasion)?
4. What bait and burley do you use?
5. What lures (if any) have you had success with (please include the lure weight used)
6. Do you (and other rock fishermen) wear personal flotation devices while rock fishing?

Any further information will be greatly appreciated :)

[blackjew]

Gday mate i dont do much any more,its to risky to judge rock shapes,im recovering from a cornea transplant .But i have done alot in the past check out this site Google EVIE inflateable rashy,Looks a must for Rock hoppers if you ask me .
My 2 cents worth,
Rigs - well that depends, do you want to catch surface fish or bottom fish .Also depends on the sea ,If you need your bait to stay in a gutter then you need a sinker that anchors in the sand a pyramid ,im sure there are others,if your not fused were your bait goes use a running ball sinker. Try chucking on a big Placcy ,let it wash around ,check out Mullet musketeers threads on Iluka.
Rod - Beach Rod is fine .
Line - My personal opinion only , check out the max breaking strain on the side of the spool, mono for rocks braid for beach.
Lures - big poppers ,I m sure there 5" plus placcy's,weight all depends on the swell you just have to stay close to the bottom.
Bait - any fresh fish fillets or live mullet,squid worms ,once again it depends what you want to fish for,My advice google the fish you want to target then find what they feed on .
Cheers and good luck ,and take care the sea has no mercy.

[deepfried]

It is more than likely you would be able to get a guide to show you the ropes down that way for a modest price. Someone like Alex Bellisimo (spp) as an example would teach you more in a session or two than you will learn yourself in years. They will put you onto fish, teach you rigs and techniques and most importantly teach you about the safety aspect as mentioned above. Next option would be to join a club and learn from the experienced members if you dont have a buddy to go with.