In the wild and often unpredictable waterways of Australia’s Northern Territory, a fisherman’s knowledge and quick reflexes can mean the difference between a good day’s catch and a life-threatening encounter.
This was starkly illustrated in a recent incident where a fisherman’s simple yet crucial advice saved his mate from what could have been a deadly encounter with a massive 4.5-meter crocodile.
Jeff Roscoe, the owner and operator of Wildman Fishing Tours, knows the waters of the Northern Territory like the back of his hand. He has honed his experience and respect for the local wildlife over the years of navigating these crocodile-infested rivers.
This expertise came to the fore when he instructed his friend Ben on the safest way to release a fish back into the water.
The advice was straightforward but vital: ‘spear it in’—meaning to throw the fish headfirst into the water, rather than gently releasing it at the surface.
This technique is not only safer for the fisherman but also gives the fish a better chance of survival, providing it with a ‘good head start’ against predators like sharks and crocodiles.
Jeff’s advice was proven to be life-saving when a video captured the heart-stopping moment a large crocodile’s back sliced through the water’s surface, just one second after Ben had thrown the fish back in.
‘That saved his life. No doubt in our minds at all. If he’d have hung that over the edge, we would still be mourning him because he would’ve been ripped clean out of the boat, no doubt.’
The crocodile, a known resident of Swim Creek near Shady Camp in the Mary River, was lurking dangerously close, unbeknownst to the fishermen.
The Mary River is notorious for having the highest density of saltwater crocodiles in the world. A man-made barrage at Shady Camp causes fish to congregate, drawing an even larger number of these apex predators to the area.
Jeff’s awareness of the crocodile’s presence and his quick instruction to Ben undoubtedly prevented a tragic outcome.
‘They are the ultimate predator. They don’t miss much at all,’ Jeff said, emphasising the ever-present danger in these waters.
‘That crocodile was there, waiting. No doubt in my mind. There’s no doubt that he was watching what was going on.’
Jeff’s commitment to safety is paramount, not just for himself but for the tourists who rely on his guidance.
His boat is equipped with all necessary safety gear, and his knowledge of the local wildlife’s behaviour is a critical component of the safe and enjoyable experiences he provides.
However, Jeff also expressed concern about the complacency he often sees among visitors to the area. Despite the dangers, he has witnessed people wading into the water with their children, seemingly unaware of the risks posed by the crocodiles.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of being ‘crocwise’—a term used to describe the necessary caution and respect for crocodiles in their natural habitat. It’s a lesson that all visitors to crocodile habitats should take to heart.
For our readers, who may enjoy fishing or exploring the great outdoors, remember that knowledge and caution are your best tools for staying safe.
Always be aware of your surroundings, follow local guidelines, and never underestimate the wildlife you may encounter.
We’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Have you ever had a close call with wildlife while enjoying the great outdoors? What safety tips do you swear by? Share your stories and advice with the YourLifeChoices community.
And remember, if you have a story tip or want to stay updated on similar news, you can follow us on our social media channels or reach out via email. Stay safe and stay informed!
Also read: Deadly creature spotted after 6 decades, prompts river warning
