NT family's ‘terrifying’ close encounter with croc amid fishing trip
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There's nothing quite as thrilling as spending a day out fishing with your loved ones, right? The peacefulness of the water, the excitement of reeling in a catch, and the quality time spent together are all part of what makes it such a quintessential Australian activity. However, to truly experience a day out on the water like no other, you'll need to include a close encounter with one of our nation's most iconic—and fearsome—creatures.
That's exactly what happened to the Jeppesen family, who recently found themselves up close and personal with a rather large and hungry crocodile in the remote waters of the Northern Territory near Elcho Island.
Bradley Jeppesen, 49, was on a fishing trip with his wife Emma and their 8-year-old daughter Zoey when the unexpected visitor made its dramatic appearance. Jeppesen had hooked a barramundi and was reeling it in when a crocodile, estimated to be around 3.5 metres in length, began chasing after the fish.
As if that weren't thrilling enough, the croc proceeded to ram into the family's 4.5-metre boat, causing a mild panic to spread among the passengers. Jeppesen, however, managed to keep his cool in the face of such a foe and 'bashed' the croc a couple of times on its head using the tip of his fishing rod.
This caused the croc to temporarily back off, giving Jeppesen and his family enough time to start their boat and quickly make a daring escape.
'My missus actually said, “What would happen if he got over and jumped in the boat?” I said, “If he jumped in the boat, we jump out of the boat as quickly as possible,''’ recounted Jeppesen.
Although the experience was undoubtedly nerve-wracking, the Jeppesens were ultimately able to take it in stride. After all, they are no strangers to the crocodiles that call the Northern Territory home.
'We've been up here for a few years, so we're sort of used to the critters around here,' explained Jeppesen, who hails from the small town of Galiwin'ku on Elcho Island. 'They (Emma and Zoey) were up the front, they just took it all in.'
It's worth noting that the NT is home to around 100,000 wild saltwater crocodiles, whose population has flourished after almost being hunted to extinction 50 years ago. Encounters with local fishermen and residents are not all that uncommon, and Jeppesen himself mentioned that he sees crocodiles regularly during his fishing expeditions.
In fact, Jeppesen believes that the croc's intentions in this particular incident were likely more focused on the fish rather than any malicious intent towards his family or their boat.
'It wasn't like a big rogue croc that was trying to tip the boat over,' he said. 'More probably it was having a look, just trying to get the fish ... looking for an easy feed.'
If you’re fishing, be aware that crocs are drawn to bait and the smell of fish. Always take care when retrieving your line, and if you have to stand in the water to land a big one, make sure to stay in the shallow end.
Whether or not the croc had any ill will, it's certainly not an encounter the Jeppesen family will soon forget. So, when you head out for your next fishing trip, be sure to keep a watchful eye out—you never know when one of our nation's most formidable predators might decide to join in on the fun.
SDC members, we would love to hear your thoughts on this story. Additionally, have you ever had any close encounters with fearsome creatures? Feel free to share your experiences with us! We're eager to hear all about it.
That's exactly what happened to the Jeppesen family, who recently found themselves up close and personal with a rather large and hungry crocodile in the remote waters of the Northern Territory near Elcho Island.
Saltwater crocodiles, aka ‘salties’, are the largest living reptiles and are primarily found in the country's northern regions. Source: Rae Wallis from Unsplash
Bradley Jeppesen, 49, was on a fishing trip with his wife Emma and their 8-year-old daughter Zoey when the unexpected visitor made its dramatic appearance. Jeppesen had hooked a barramundi and was reeling it in when a crocodile, estimated to be around 3.5 metres in length, began chasing after the fish.
As if that weren't thrilling enough, the croc proceeded to ram into the family's 4.5-metre boat, causing a mild panic to spread among the passengers. Jeppesen, however, managed to keep his cool in the face of such a foe and 'bashed' the croc a couple of times on its head using the tip of his fishing rod.
This caused the croc to temporarily back off, giving Jeppesen and his family enough time to start their boat and quickly make a daring escape.
'My missus actually said, “What would happen if he got over and jumped in the boat?” I said, “If he jumped in the boat, we jump out of the boat as quickly as possible,''’ recounted Jeppesen.
Although the experience was undoubtedly nerve-wracking, the Jeppesens were ultimately able to take it in stride. After all, they are no strangers to the crocodiles that call the Northern Territory home.
'We've been up here for a few years, so we're sort of used to the critters around here,' explained Jeppesen, who hails from the small town of Galiwin'ku on Elcho Island. 'They (Emma and Zoey) were up the front, they just took it all in.'
It's worth noting that the NT is home to around 100,000 wild saltwater crocodiles, whose population has flourished after almost being hunted to extinction 50 years ago. Encounters with local fishermen and residents are not all that uncommon, and Jeppesen himself mentioned that he sees crocodiles regularly during his fishing expeditions.
In fact, Jeppesen believes that the croc's intentions in this particular incident were likely more focused on the fish rather than any malicious intent towards his family or their boat.
'It wasn't like a big rogue croc that was trying to tip the boat over,' he said. 'More probably it was having a look, just trying to get the fish ... looking for an easy feed.'
Safety Tips for Boating and Fishing in Crocodile-Infested Waters
When it comes to exploring the Northern Territory’s waters, keep a wary eye out for crocs. Saltwater crocs have long made their home in these waters, so it’s important to practise safety and be very aware of your surroundings.Look Out for Salties
If you’re planning on taking a boat or kayak out on the water, make sure to look out for ‘salties’ and be wary when launching and beaching your vessel. Be very careful not to float into shallow water or areas with overhangs where a croc could be lurking. When out in the open water, keep an eye out for dark shapes, swirls, and splashes.Crocs Are Drawn to Bait
If you’re fishing, be aware that crocs are drawn to bait and the smell of fish. Always take care when retrieving your line, and if you have to stand in the water to land a big one, make sure to stay in the shallow end.
Avoid Reaching Into the Waters
Finally, remember that crocs can move quickly and can even leap, so avoid reaching into open or murky waters, and if you spot a croc in the distance, take the appropriate steps and put as much distance between you and it as possible.
SDC members, we would love to hear your thoughts on this story. Additionally, have you ever had any close encounters with fearsome creatures? Feel free to share your experiences with us! We're eager to hear all about it.
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