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WA fisherman's 'risky' proposal at sea is fortunately one that didn't get away

There are many things that could go wrong during a marriage proposal, but a shark making off with the engagement ring is usually at the bottom of a potential suitor's list.

But for Byford man Craig Buxton, it became a real concern when proposing to his long time girlfriend Caitlin Baptiste.

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Fishermen snags a proposal

One man has used a fishing trip to Cocos Island as a way to reel in a unique proposal.

The pair met when they were both hospitalised for separate injuries in 2013 - a motorcross accident for Mr Buxton and a horse-riding incident for Ms Baptiste - and completed hydro-rehabilitation together.

They share a love of the sea, and Mr Buxton eventually decided the time was right to propose to his girlfriend of three years.

He booked a trip to the Coco Islands, and hatched his plan to pop the question.

Mr Buxton enlisted the help of his three friends - Zac Mokta, Ozzie Hajat and Aslieazima Woren - and hooked a small ring box to the end of his heavy duty fishing rod.

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"Even with the Marlin rod and reel setup, it was too risky to put the ring inside the box because Wahoo tend to come up, and will bite through even a heavy leader," he said.

"There are also a lot of the sharks in the area, which presented the same issue."

The unique proposal was way more than just a pick-up line.
The unique proposal was way more than just a pick-up line. Photo: Facebook

Instead, Mr Buxton hid the ring in his pocket, and the group went out for a troll off the coast of the Islands.

Friends captured the moment Mr Buxton handed over the rod to Ms Baptise, as she unexpectedly reeled in her "catch of the day".

The proposal was way more than just a hook-up.
The proposal was way more than just a hook-up. Photo: Facebook

Mr Buxton hid the box out of view while he placed the engagement ring inside, before presenting it to Ms Baptise.

"She sat there like a stunned mullet for quite a while!" Mr Buxton said.

The answer appeared to be a resounding yes as she kissed her now-fiancee, and the crew cheered their friends on.

While the pair is "basking in the glow" for now, Mr Buxton said his priority list remained the same.

"Working towards a boat first, then wedding," he said.

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