South Australian Angler – June 2018

W

ading the flats. It’s perhaps more

synonymous with summer time

and chasing the likes of yellowfin whiting

or the domain of those who don’t

own a boat, but for me wading goes

much further than that. Despite the

water getting colder and the ambient

temperature dropping, winter still

sees me walking in the water with a

rod in hand, all be it with some extra

protection. With a little thought, wading

the flats and edges can be as productive

as boating, and at times even more so.

Let’s look at some ideas and equipment

to help make the experience a little

more rewarding.

LOOK AFTER YOURSELF

It goes without saying that protection

from the elements should be top of

your list in beginning a day wading.

Whether it’s raking for crabs or

chucking poppers for yellowfin whiting,

the sun can kill. A wide-brimmed hat

certainly helps with keeping cool and,

when used with a quality sunscreen,

helps in providing protection from the

sun’s harmful rays. Adding a quality

pair of sunnies completes the package,

helping not only to protect the eyes,

which are also susceptible to sun

damage, but also helping see fish or

fish-holding structure. Covering up is

also a good idea. Long sleeve tops and

pants again help to ensure that the sun

can’t reach your skin. If you’re like me,

however, and don’t like wading in pants,

ensuring you cover exposed areas with

quality sunscreen is the next best thing.

Just make sure it’s water resistant and

that you remember to re-apply it at

regular intervals.

Hydration is another item that is

sometimes neglected. I leave the sugary

or foamy drinks in the car for the

end of the day. Water is the preferred

form of hydration, as it can be frozen

beforehand, ensuring it stays cold.

Alcohol can actually aid in dehydration

and besides, who likes their favourite

ale with a dash of fish slime? Certainly

not me!

FOOTWEAR

While some of our beaches are pristine

and clear, these are rarely the ones to

wade in search of fish. Instead there

are rocks, shells, weed, and razorfish to

contend with, the latter being especially

unforgiving on exposed feet. While old

running shoes will suffice in protecting

your feet, I am using a pair of diving

booties for my summertime trips on the

flats. These boots have robust soles and

also offer the advantage of protecting

your ankles from any crabs you may be

unlucky enough to stand on.

BE MOBILE

It is simple to position yourself in a likely

area in the hope that fish will come to

you, and at times this is the only option

you have. However, I prefer to be mobile,

actively finding the fish or at the very

uoS

th^ A

ustralian (^) An
(^41) regl