Cliff fall man regrets the one that got away

By Veronica Apap
Updated November 5 2012 - 6:06pm, first published August 27 2008 - 5:54am
George Postlep recovering in his hospital bed. Picture: ORLANDO CHIODO
George Postlep recovering in his hospital bed. Picture: ORLANDO CHIODO

George Postlep's story about the one that got away is a bit more exciting than your average fishing yarn.The 66-year-old Shell Cove man was fishing in a secluded spot on a rocky ledge at Killalea State Park on Tuesday when he fell nearly 15m.Mr Postlep said Tuesday's beautiful weather made for perfect fishing conditions and it was not long before he hooked a kingfish.``I realised there was no chance I could lift that fish up,'' he said.``I waited for a big wave to land the fish on the rocks.''He was trying to find a way down to the lower rocks, rod still in hand, when he lost his balance and fell to the rocks below.``I only knew I had to somehow not land on my head,'' he said.``Straight away I knew my ankle is broken, I heard a crack and the terrible pain.``I didn't care about that fish, it was gone.''With his mobile phone back up at his fishing spot, Mr Postlep began his excruciating climb.``That was something I will never forget in my life,'' he said.``It took me probably one hour.''When he reached the top, Mr Postlep rang his wife and told her to send help, which arrived very soon after.Yesterday Mr Postlep was recovering in Wollongong Hospital where he is waiting to have surgery on his broken ankle.He was grateful to both the ambulance officers who treated him at the scene then had him airlifted to Wollongong Hospital, and hospital staff.But when asked if he would be out fishing again any time soon, Mr Postlep said: ``Not according to my wife.''

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