FiftyCal

From Carlingford its not too far to head to the Hawkesbury. You can launch at Berowra Waters, Brooklyn, Mooney Mooney, Apple Tree Bay or Akuna Bay. Some pretty decent fishing on the Hawkesbury. Just pop up the F3, which is about 15mins away.

Was it part of "Coastwatch" or something? I remember they had a massive stakeout of some guys who were collecting mussels and paua. They had a HEAP of people in camo gear, ATVs, binoculars, the whole shebang. They all swarmed down on the guys as they were getting into their utes and cut off their escape route. In the end, the only offense they had was having too many mussels. They got a pretty small fine for such a huge operation.

On the other hand... Ages ago, I went houseboating with a heap of relos, including an auntie and uncle from overseas who had never fished before. My auntie kept bringing in yakkas, and she always got excited when she caught anything, so made alot of noise. The people in the neighbouring cruiser started yelling at us and said they were going to call fisheries on us. We had no illegal catch on board, just a bunch of yakkas (one of my relos likes to eat them, I like to use them as bait). If fisheries came and checked at the request of those wankers, they would have just wasted their time.

I tell you what, people are just as rude when you are in a boat as well. Its incredible how rude people can be

I have fished with the handle on the left since I was young. My friends give me crap for it, and ask me if its another thing I learned from the forums while they roll their eyes. I prefer my strong arm on the rod for more control and because more strength lets me fish longer without getting as tired. I still use an overhead with a right hand handle, so I have no problem winding with the right, but I prefer using lures and casting with my right arm on the rod.

Garlic should help. It is a known additive to aquarium fish food to encourage the fish to eat it. If it words for aquarium fish, there is no reason why it wont work for wild fish.