TOWNSVILLE BULLETIN (Australia) 07 May 05 Daring crocs stalk anglers (Nigel Adlam)
Crocodiles are snatching landing nets out of anglers' hands, bumping into boats and attacking outboard motors in Kakadu National Park.
Saltwater crocs have become so accustomed to the anglers they are even lurking under boats waiting to steal the catch.
Northern Territory authorities fear the increase in the croc numbers and anglers in the park has heightened the danger of a fatal attack.
Ranger Garry Linder last night urged anglers to be aware of the danger.
He said salties were superbly evolved predators and struck with surprising speed.
"The number of incidents between crocodiles and humans has increased," he said.
Mr Linder, whose father Dave caught Sweetheart in the Finniss River in 1979, said crocodiles were attracted by the struggling of hooked fish.
"The fishermen usually wisely gives up the fight and the crocodile takes off with net and fish," he said.
Mr Linder said anglers working the creeks - where congregations of fish are common, especially during the run-off - should know there could be as many as 10 big crocodiles nearby.
He said the attacks meant anglers should take precautions:
NEVER drag fish through the water to revive them before release;
USE long-handled landing nets and gaffs;
KEEP arms and legs in the boat;
NEVER stand in the water - not even in ankle-deep water because crocodiles could be lurking in nearby deeper water; and
USE outward shining lamps - crocodiles usually stay beyond the rim of the light.
Mr Lindner urged anglers to report all incidents to rangers.
He said reports the Twin Falls plunge pool was closed were untrue.
Daring crocs stalk anglers