Fishing in crocodile habitat areas
If you fish where crocodiles live, expect them to be nearby.
Crocodiles are attracted to good fishing spots as much as people are. Fish and crabs are an important food source for crocodiles.
Be vigilant when fishing in crocodile habitat areas to reduce your risk of a crocodile attack.
- Keep your distance from the water while fishing.
Stay at least 5 metres back from the water’s edge and never stand on logs or branches overhanging the water. - Never stand in water to cast your line.
You may encounter a crocodile even if you are in shallow water for a short time. - Keep your arms, legs and head away from the edge of boats, jetties or pontoons.
- Only throw cast nets from your boat or a jetty.
Crocodiles may approach people on the water’s edge. Standing in or close to the water when cast netting puts you in danger. - When you catch a fish, reel it in quickly and move back from the water.
Encouraging crocodiles to chase your catch teaches them to associate people fishing with food. - If a crocodile shows interest in your or your fish, move to a different fishing spot.
- If a crocodile grabs your catch, cut the line and move to a safe distance.
- If your lure gets caught, cut the line and let it go.
It’s not worth putting yourself in danger trying to retrieve it. - Spearfishers face a higher chance of encountering a crocodile because injured fish will attract both crocodiles and sharks.
Going fishing in Croc Country? Here’s a couple of tips.
When launching your boat, best to climb over the front without getting your feet wet.
Never dangle your arms and legs over the side. If you do fall in, get out of the water and back into the boat as quickly as possible.
Stay away from any areas that show signs of crocodiles, such as mudslides. There may be a croc close by that could approach the boat.
If you are sitting or pulling in a crab pot, stay within your boat. Don't lean over the edge or disturb the water too much.
If casting, try not to tie off around your wrist or waist, you may find yourself being pulled in.
If you get a snag, don't worry about your lure. Just cut the line. A $10.00 replacement is cheap compared to losing your life.
And remember, never get closer than 10 metres to a crocodile in the wild. Just in case.
Seeing a crocodile in the wild is an amazing experience. But remember, stay safe. Be Crocwise in Croc Country.