Authorities are urging rock fishermen to wear life jackets after a search for two men ended in tragedy, with their bodies recovered from the water.

Two rock fishermen have died after being washed into rough waters off a secluded beach on the NSW Central Coast.

Neither man – both from the Sydney suburb of Beecroft – was wearing a life jacket when their bodies were found off Little Beach, Bouddi National Park late on Saturday.

“It was very choppy and the area was rough … the message from the police is always wear a life jacket,” Acting Inspector Richard Nicholson from Brisbane Water Police said on Sunday.

“Obviously weather was a factor yesterday afternoon with the storm brewing, so always keep your eye on the weather.”

He said rock fishing was “one of the most dangerous past-times in the world, and especially here on the east coast of Australia”.

Police pulled two bodies from the water off Little Beach on the NSW Central Coast on Saturday. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard
The isolated coastline around Bouddi National Park is well known to recreational fishers despite its secluded location.

“There’s a fair trek to get there, but it is one of the areas declared for rock fishing,” Inspector Nicholson said.

Brisbane Water Police found the body of the 42-year-old man face down in the water at Little Beach, Bouddi about 4.20pm on Saturday.

Police later found fishing equipment at the northern end of the beach, but were forced to leave the rock platform due to safety concerns for the searching officers.

Nearly two hours later, police were advised a second man was missing in the waters where multiple land and sea units were dispatched

“Following extensive inquiries by PolAir, Marine Area Command, and the Rural Fire Service, about 8pm the body of the second man, aged 67, was located and pulled from the water,” police said in a statement.

Rock fishermen are being urged to wear life jackets after two men died after being washed into the sea on Saturday. Picture: Newswire / Gaye Gerard
NSW Police will prepare a report for the coroner, but renewed reminders for fishermen to wear life jackets and check weather conditions.

“We’d like to issue a timely reminder with regards to rock fishing and the danger it ensues,” Inspector Nicholson said.

“If you are going out, or if you’ve been risking it before, or you think you are the experienced fisherman, please have a look at the websites and get yourself up to date with the current legislation and try to keep yourself safe so you can go home to your families.”
An on-the-spot fine of $100 can be issued for rock fishers not wearing a life jacket.