How to avoid catching hooks in rocks

[GordonFreeman]

A local area where I would like to fish has lots of rocks in the water.
How can I avoid catching the hooks/baits on these rocks when bringing in the line?
The casting point is a big boulder that stands about 6ft-10ft above the water and the rod I have is about 3.5m long.

[geejayy]

i don't do much rock fishing but you could look at useing junk weights- nuts bolts random bits of metal and rotten bottom rigs.
ie a weak line to the weight incorperateing a link that allows the lead to be released on this weak link after casting.
can't do much about snagging with the hooks although less hooks = less chance of a snag so stick to 1 hook rigs, most people would use at least
25-30lb main line or more to help with pulling out of snags, fine wire hooks
can be pulled straight to release you from snags but if hunting big strong species that need bullying to get ashore this maybe a bit of a disadvantage as the hooks will straighten while trying to haul them ashore.
& remember the further you cast over rocky ground the more snaggs you need to drag your kit over to get it back, lead lifts and shaped leads sometimes help.
there's no substitute for knowledge of your mark , checking at low water could show you areas amongst the rocks where you could cast to with little chance of snagging and likewise areas that are tackle graveyards.

over all you can't fish rocky ground without looseing terminal tackle, but you can minimise what you loose .
float fishing is an option but lends itself more towards some species than others.

good luck & don't forget to show us what you catch.