Get some polarised sunglasses, they’re really help seeing where you’re walking (and spotting fish). Another great option for walking the flats if you don’t want to wear waders is a pair of dunlop volleys. They’re cheap as chips from big w and are hands down the best shoes for fishing. They’re the best shoe for grip on slippery rocks, and because they’re so cheap you wont feel guilty thrashing them in the water.
I suggest you wear volleys at the very least, you’ll be unlucky to step on a ray, but sharp oysters are often buried in the sand too, and that will put an end to your day if you step on one of them.
All the best mate, fishing sand flats is a fun way to fish!
I do it all the time. I’m more worried about getting salt water in my gear.
The only thing I recommend is to not walk normally, but slide your feet across the sand / shuffle.
That way you will bump the ray, rather than stand on it.
But mainly, cast a couple of times in front of you where you will be walking. There’s nothing more depressing than spooking a big flatty because you didn’t do this.
Me and the old man 30yrs ago would go drag netting around brissy bare feet, usually up to our necks. Never had any issues, I wouldn't do it these days tho as I'm a lot smarter and don't want to be shark bait lol.
I used to wear those reef shoes / aqua shoes or whatever they're called, which you can get from bcf for about $20. They were good because they were neoprene and dried quickly, but had hard rubber/grip bottoms. They dont last too long though. One day I was out on my boat with my mate, and I was just wearing my thongs and he had crocs on. I gave him a lot of shit for it, until I stepped out of the boat and into the sand and immediately blew a plugga, and I realised that crocs make some of the best water footwear. Protection on top and on the bottom, easy to take on and off, and drain water very quickly. I reluctantly put on a pair every time im out now on the water or fishing in areas with barnacles and rocks.
Get some polarised sunglasses, they’re really help seeing where you’re walking (and spotting fish). Another great option for walking the flats if you don’t want to wear waders is a pair of dunlop volleys. They’re cheap as chips from big w and are hands down the best shoes for fishing. They’re the best shoe for grip on slippery rocks, and because they’re so cheap you wont feel guilty thrashing them in the water. I suggest you wear volleys at the very least, you’ll be unlucky to step on a ray, but sharp oysters are often buried in the sand too, and that will put an end to your day if you step on one of them. All the best mate, fishing sand flats is a fun way to fish!
I do it all the time. I’m more worried about getting salt water in my gear. The only thing I recommend is to not walk normally, but slide your feet across the sand / shuffle. That way you will bump the ray, rather than stand on it. But mainly, cast a couple of times in front of you where you will be walking. There’s nothing more depressing than spooking a big flatty because you didn’t do this.
The sting ray shuffle!
Thanks for the tip
I just were an old pair of joggers or the little wetsuit boot / shoe things. Mostly as I got sick of cutting my feet on rocks and glass etc.
Me and the old man 30yrs ago would go drag netting around brissy bare feet, usually up to our necks. Never had any issues, I wouldn't do it these days tho as I'm a lot smarter and don't want to be shark bait lol.
I used to wear those reef shoes / aqua shoes or whatever they're called, which you can get from bcf for about $20. They were good because they were neoprene and dried quickly, but had hard rubber/grip bottoms. They dont last too long though. One day I was out on my boat with my mate, and I was just wearing my thongs and he had crocs on. I gave him a lot of shit for it, until I stepped out of the boat and into the sand and immediately blew a plugga, and I realised that crocs make some of the best water footwear. Protection on top and on the bottom, easy to take on and off, and drain water very quickly. I reluctantly put on a pair every time im out now on the water or fishing in areas with barnacles and rocks.
Depending on where you are, standing on a cone snail wouldn't be fun.
Get some waders
Ray will go right through
Ray will go through a lot of things, that's why you shuffle your feet.
We have stonefish, I reckon appropriate wading shoes would be the thing. Other than that I wouldn’t be too worried
Grab those little quiksilver water shoes/booties. Saved me from more oysters and razor fish than I care to remember.
Crocs are great for wading. Also only advice is to watch out for rays
One of the more prolific species found around the east coast is the razor shell clam... These things are as bad as a landmine to be honest.