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Know your weather: rock fishing

Updated 11 December 2019

Rock fishing is a popular but risky recreational activity around Australia's coastline. Wherever you’re planning your rock fishing trip, it’s always important to check the weather and ocean conditions before you go. Read on to find out how to use weather information for rock fishing so you can enjoy your time out and come home safely.

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Planning your rock fishing trip

What to check

The Bureau recommends five weather safety checks if you're planning a rock fishing trip.

	Check for large waves Large seas or swell can create conditions that are dangerous or uncomfortable, and can sweep you off your rock fishing spot.
	Check when the tide will be rising Rising and high tides can make wave conditions change rapidly, with waves breaking unexpectedly onto the rocks where you may be fishing. You may also find the rising tide blocks your exit path.
	Check for strong winds Winds over 15 knots (28 km/h) can make the surf rougher, make tide levels higher than predicted, or make you lose your balance on the rocks
	Check for marine warnings Warnings alert you to conditions that may make rock fishing unsafe. Look for Marine Wind Warnings, Severe Weather Warnings, and Hazardous Surf Warnings (New South Wales and southern Queensland only).
	Check for changing weather Look for conditions such as reduced visibility from fog or rain, or risks to your safety and comfort from thunderstorms, lightning or squall conditions.

When to check

• Well ahead of time you can find out about the climate of coastal locations. While weather can vary significantly from one year to the next, consider which months are typically hot, cold, windy, have larger waves, or are stormy. You can also check tide times up to a year advance.
• Seven days before your chosen date you can access detailed (three-hourly) forecasts for wind, rainfall and temperature for any location.
• Four days ahead you can access detailed forecasts for waves and swell in marine areas. These forecasts can help you pick the best day for rock fishing. The three-hourly forecasts can also provide you with further detail, to find out when conditions may deteriorate or improve during the day, and which locations might be more sheltered from an approaching swell. This will help you make more informed decisions about where and when you should go out and come home.
• The morning or night before you should check back in with the weather forecast. Forecasts are updated at least twice a day, so they might have changed since you last looked. Watch for mentions of weather hazards or conditions that could make rock fishing uncomfortable or unsafe, such as heavy rainfall, strong wind, poor visibility, or very high or low temperatures. Consider the weather for your activity but also the journey to your destination and return trip. Also check if any weather warnings are current.

Map: The wind forecast from MetEye shows wind speed and direction.

How to check—our top tips

• Check your Local Waters or Coastal Waters forecast. Coastal waters forecasts for New South Wales and southern Queensland make specific mention when conditions are hazardous for swimming, rock fishing and boating.
• We also recommend checking a detailed map-based forecast in MetEye as conditions can be more complex than a simple text forecast can summarise. For example, local effects like coastline orientation can play a role in wind speed and direction, or timing of wind changes, such as sea breezes. MetEye can also help you check the weather for the broader area, in case there is any nearby hazardous weather that may prompt you to change your plans. Read how to use MetEye for rock fishing.
• Identify the right type of forecast and your forecast area name. If relevant, you can also identify your closest coastal weather station and/or rain radar. These services are available by selecting your relevant State or Territory at bom.gov.au/marine. Remember that most coastal weather stations are on land so wind speeds may be unrepresentative of conditions at the waterline.
• Pay careful attention to marine warnings, but remember that not all conditions that put you at risk will lead to an official weather warning.
• Be aware of ultraviolet (UV) radiationand use sun protection. No matter what the UV index, sun protection is recommended if you will be outside for extended periods. Water is a reflective surface and increases your exposure.
• You can view the forecast peak wave period (the average time between waves) for ocean areas around Australia in weather and wave forecast maps. Longer wave periods of over 10 to 20 seconds can be dangerous for rock fishing, as the seas can appear calm one minute, and then a powerful set of waves can suddenly appear with little warning. This is what creates the perception of 'freak waves'.

Image: Wave period forecast from the Interactive Weather and Wave Forecast Maps

Watch the weather while you're out

Stay connected to official information

If you have access, keep checking the Bureau website or BOM Weather app, or listen to the radio to get the latest information. If rain is expected, keep an eye on the rain radar if one is available in your area.

Pay special attention if there's a weather warning, and always listen to advice from emergency services.

Watch and listen for signs of changing weather

Watch and listen for signs of approaching weather. For example, cumulonimbus clouds or a rumble of thunder may indicate an approaching thunderstorm.

As recommended by Surf Life Saving Australia, when you arrive at your fishing spot you should spend some time watching the wind and the waves and talking to other anglers. While fishing, you need to be vigilant to the potential changes in wave behaviour as the tide rises and falls.

Follow advice from Surf Life Saving

Surf Life Saving Australia urges all rock fishers to:

• wear a life jacket;
• check tides, weather and surf conditions;
• take personal responsibility, think twice and assess your safety;
• plan an escape route in case you are washed into the water;
• wear the right gear in addition to your life jacket, i.e. appropriate footwear, lightweight clothing
• never fish alone and make sure you tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back;
• look for 'angel rings' or other floatation devices to throw to someone in trouble; and
• call 000 if assistance is required.

Credit: NSW Department of Primary Industry—Fisheries

More information

• Weather safety checks for rock fishing.
• Rock fishing safety information is also available in traditional and simplified Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Bahasa Malaysia. Resources include a web page, graphic, and printable information sheet.

Also in this series

• Know your weather: kayaking, canoeing and rafting
• Know your weather: bushwalking and camping
• Know your weather: skiing and snowboarding