Smashed against rocks: how 'Stinker' was saved off Port Stephens

Fishing identity John "Stinker" Clarke has issued a message after he was rescued overnight off Port Stephens and flown to hospital.

Police have hailed the 77-year-old man's preparations before heading out as potentially keeping him alive amid "challenging conditions".

In a social media post, Mr Clarke identified himself as the rescued man.

He said he was fishing "in [his boat] Stinkpot in front of the lighthouse, something I have enjoyed doing for almost 50 years".

As he was pulling up anchor to head home amid deteriorating conditions, he wrote that he was "hit by a larger-than-average wave that swamped my boat".

"Within moments, Stinkpot had overturned, leaving me clinging to the upturned vessel," he wrote.

Mr Clarke wrote that he decided to let go as the boat shifted closer to rocks, eventually coming across oars and a plastic bucket.

"Together with my life jacket, they became my lifeline and helped keep me afloat," he wrote.

"As the sun set and the water grew colder, it became clear that my only chance of survival was to be located by one of the rescue agencies. All I could do was hold on and hope."

Authorities were called about 6pm on Wednesday after Mr Clarke failed to return home.

A search effort including Marine Rescue NSW, water police and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service discovered the overturned vessel about 8.30pm.

A Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service spokesman said the man was "located clinging to debris" nearby after about four hours in the water, with the helicopter guiding rescue boats to his position.

"After spending four to five hours in the water, I finally saw the light I had been hoping for - the searchlight from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter," Mr Clarke said.

"I would like to sincerely thank my wife for raising the alarm when I failed to return home, as well as my family, who travelled from Sydney and flew in from Brisbane, and our longtime friends who gathered at Fingal beach to keep watch as news of the situation quickly spread.

"Their local knowledge of where I go fishing and my secret spots was vital to my rescue."

NSW Police Marine Area Command crime manager, Detective Inspector Jane Prior said the fisherman's readiness for disaster had likely proved the difference.

"This outcome highlights how simple safety precautions can make a life-saving difference," Detective Inspector Prior said.

"The man was wearing a life jacket and had also told someone what time he expected to return. Those actions were critical and very likely saved his life."

Detective Inspector Prior said that the person anticipating the fisherman's return was able to raise the alarm quickly because they knew he had not arrived on time. She said that allowed emergency services to scramble and locate him in time in 15-knot southerly wind and a 2.5-metre southerly swell.

Police said they took the 77-year-old back to Nelson Bay behind a Marine Rescue NSW vessel that acted as a break against the large swells.

He was treated by a Westpac helicopter doctor and NSW Ambulance paramedics at the waterfront. He was taken to Tomaree Hospital before transferring to John Hunter Hospital.

Police said he had hypothermia and abrasions.

"I am deeply grateful to all of the emergency services involved in the search and rescue operation. From Marine Rescue, Water police, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and paramedics," Mr Clarke wrote.

"Their professionalism, dedication, and bravery are the reason I am here today.

"Over the coming days, I look forward to personally thanking those involved and spending some time recovering. I suppose there are moments when I forget that I am not getting any younger.

"Thank you to everyone who played a part in bringing me safely home. I will be fishing in quieter waters in the future."