Don't let the wintery conditions put a stop to your fishing! Rug up and get out to the coast for a fish while nobody else is!

Winter in Australia usually means blue skies, empty jetties and coastal walkways with only the most die-hard of picnickers left to brave the cold. Even anglers with limited experience can find themselves reeling in a variety of hard fighting fish with just a little preparation, thanks to the ideal conditions bringing fish closer to shore.

So, if you're not afraid of a little frostbite (we're kidding, rug up!) here's five tips for Winter Rock Fishing.

Prepare for everything.

We hate to sound like your grandma, but seriously, remember to bring warm clothes,(plus some extras) because there's nothing worse than being cold. You've heard the saying, people don't prepare to fail, they fail to prepare! Obviously be sensible about your choices, because one rogue wave can put you in that water, and you need to be able to swim. Buy a beanie too, because 30% of your body heat gets lost through your head!

Fish early, or fish late.

Yes it's cold, yes it's early, but in the leadup to sunrise you're going to have a far greater chance of catching something during winter. If you're not a morning person, settle for the after work shift, that magic hour before sunset until dark. Those low light periods are when fish are least wary of a poorly disguised hook, and will snap it up for dinner with no questions asked.

Pack a thermos

A piping hot cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate is a sure-fire way to refresh the fishing spirit within. It will also warm up the fingers you can't feel! Taking the 2 minutes to boil a kettle, fill a thermos and pack the ingredients to your choice of tasty beverage is time well spent. Take enough for two, because you never know when you might meet a new friend.

Wear shoes

If you're used to rock hopping barefoot in summer, firstly, you're asking for a hook in your tootsie. In winter, you're still asking to stand on a hook, but at least you won't feel it because your toes will be frozen! Throw a pair of thick socks and old sneakers in the car before you go to keep those tootsies warm, dry and free from rusty old fishing hooks.

Move Regularly.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. But if it is broke (or you're just not catching anything). Move. Simple as that, try walking a hundred meters along the rocks, or simply casting in a different direction. You're bound to run into a fish eventually, plus it warms you up a little!

Follow these five tips to fishing in winter, and you'll be reeling in more than your fair share of fishies! Remember to stick to the bag limits, and enjoy the empty foreshores during winter!

Ps. One more time - wear warm clothes!

#News #Fishing