Sgt, a great report and account of journey! For me, narrabeen was lakes was where my fishing addiction all started for me as an 8yo. I was at a camp at Stewart house and they took us there for the day to play sports and have lunch. Having never been fishing before I asked the teacher if I could try and he went back and got two handlines and some prawns. I baited up, tossed out and waited patiently for a fish. 30mins went by and nothing. I pulled in my line, re baited and cast out. What happened next was the most thrilling fight I could imagine. Bang, the handline was zooming up and down the lake and I fought this fish for 10mins with no help. Everyone watched while I landed this fish and it is still the biggest bream I've ever caught at 46cm and obese! I kept it and asked the chef at camp to cook it for me for dinner. He offered me $20 but I wanted to eat it, so I said $10 and I'll go you halves!
I have been back there a few times as an adult but never had the same result.
Sorry for the long reply but it bought back a few memories seeing your post.
Cheers scratchie!!!