WA rock fishers at risk over Easter

Scores of rock fishers are descending on Western Australia's south coast for the Easter salmon run, prompting safety warnings from the state's peak recreational fishing body.

Since 2002, 25 people have died after being swept from rocks they were fishing on by large, often unpredictable swells.

Recfishwest chief executive Andrew Rowland pleaded with anglers to take responsibility for their safety this easter and wear lifejackets when fishing from rocks and urged them to rather fish from the safety of the beach.

"The excitement of a good salmon run often sees people overlook simple steps that ensure their safety, as they rush to go fishing from the rocks unprepared," Mr Rowland said.

"Salmon are a superb sports fish. However, it's not worth putting your life at risk when the salmon turn up."

Several safety initiatives have been implemented in WA following rock fishing deaths, including 20 life-saving rings being installed at popular spots as well as almost 40 rock anchor points.

Recfishwest has supported a program to provide free hire of life jackets for rock fishers in an attempt to prevent any more deaths.