abecedarian

The size of the boat has nothing to do with what speed it's capable of. A bass boat is likely to be quite a bit faster than a large cruiser. As a kid my family used to go on a houseboat often which was big and cumbersome and not capable of traveling faster than 10 knots which is why it could be piloted by anyone. But that's obviously before the rules changed. It's not often that when a law changes it makes more sense than the previous...

Hi Huey, what about if the boat hasn't been speed restricted and are capable of doing over 10 knots if they're opened up? Is it still ok for unlicensed people to drive them if they keep them under 10 knots? Just out of curiosity for me, I got my license as soon as I was old enough so I could get a boat one day...

I think you'll find if your boat is capable of speed greater than 10 kts you need a license. Better to get the license straight up so you know the rules and can get a little "experience" before you jump in your new boat.

It'd be a write off I'd imagine, it's not a very new car. The damage to the electrics/computer would write it off almost certainly on its own, let alone the damage to the interior, the cost of an engine clean/rebuild, bearings, etc etc...

At $1.25 each for size 4 sinkers I think if stick with the normal ones and tie a few extra knots!

Depends on where in Sydney. With good traffic along the M4 and Great western highway it's a 2.5 hour trip from central Sydney. You'd allow 3 hours for traffic etc. Finding the dam is easy, there are signs to it on the Main Street. There are two main public access points, at the golf course (requires a walk if you don't have a 4wd) and Kelleys Lane. Basically Google maps is your friend...

The fish are already wet so a bit of rain probably doesn't bother them.

As I was saying. I know a few land owners that used to be happy with people coming on their land to fish but that only lasted a season before they changed their minds. All because of rubbish and leaving gates open. They're the two main issues. So now most landholders will chase you off their land. If you want the best chance try and contact the land owner first before you step onto their property and if they let you on then leave the place exactly how you found it. Legally the river bed is crown land but to use this excuse you have to have your feet in the river bed at all times. With the rivers in that area that means having your feet wet all the time. As soon as you step on dry ground you're trespassing.

Bit heavy for a 2500 sized reel...

Kelley's lane is fine, the island is under water now so there's not as much bank to fish as before. Oberon dam has been pretty much ruined now because some idiot allowed Redfin to get into the dam and they've taken over. There are still trout and they're bigger than ever but trying to catch them is much much harder now. But if you go there for a day with soft plastics or a pink Tassie devil you can end up with 50 Redfin easily... Across the way is the golf course which is ok as well. You can drive down to the water easily enough through the reserve if you have a 4wd, otherwise it's a walk down a fair sized hill through the course to get there.

The biggest problem with these rivers is the vast majority of the river course is through private land. I know of several land owners who will not let anyone on their land anymore because of bad experiences with people leaving rubbish behind or gates open or similar. And frankly I can't blame them. If you happen to know anyone with land on the rivers then you're in luck, otherwise it is very hard. That said, in that area there are a lot of pine forrests that have river access that are worth a look. You can find them on the maps easy enough and they're public access except when they're logging. If you have a four wheel drive you can get to all the spots, you're a bit limited in a car though.

Pelagic fish tend to be most active just before and after sunset. I'd say get there about an hour before sunset if possible and fish through to the change of tide. Paternoster rig with either a half pillie on a single hook or full pillie on ganged hooks on the bottom and a surf proper rigged on the top is a good rig for salmon. Fish as light as possible, if the bait gets washed about a bit it covers more ground and looks more natural. All you want is enough weight to cast where it needs to go and to stop it washing back in straight away.

And the outlander is like the xtrail, Santa Fe, IX35 and pretty much all the soft roaders. They're not true four wheel drives, they're a front wheel drive with rear assist. Basically the majority of power and torque always go through the front wheels. For off road work it matters, but for what you want to do that system would be a big step up from rear wheel drive only.

If you're looking at hyundais then look at the Santa Fe. It would do the job better than an IX35 and there's second hand ones about.

Daiwa black label. Very good bang for buck... The 2500 and 3000 is the same reel, only difference is the 3000 has a larger capacity spool. Same as the 6000 vs 8000, same reel, slightly different spools...

Flashy gear is better at catching fishermen (and women)!!!

I'd go the stradic with a the black label rod. That would be my pick of the rods and reels you mentioned.

No, not specifically. But I don't need to have to know that they will handle the job. With the weight of the IX35 and the fact that its able to put power through al wheels means its handle pulling 1100 kg on any ramp. Get an automatic and you'd be sure of it.

It would do it easy. 1100 kg is not a lot of weight.

Plenty do it and unfortunately it's all too easy for undesirable characters in the wrong to get away without paying. Fact is those without insurance are the least likely to be able to pay for damages they cause. Currently there's compulsory third party insurance, it should be that third party property insurance becomes compulsory as a minimum for registration.

"Occasional" fisho as they take every occasion to fish.

I've been fishing years with spinning and casting reels off the beach and have never once dropped my rod or had any sand get in the reel. And that's after more than a decade doing it. If you're clumsy and drop things then get an alvey. If you are reasonably careful and make an effort to look after your gear then get whatever you're comfortable with. If you get an alvey it should be because you want to fish with one, not because you're afraid of dropping a reel that may suit better. My choice would be a sustain 8000. Great reel for spinning and bait. The shimano baitrunner is also a great reel but a bit heavy for spinning.

I have been with all of the 3 major carriers at some point. Originally with Telstra then changed to Vodafone because they were significantly cheaper. Lasted with them for about 3 months (pre-paid thankfully) before changing to Optus as Vodafone was crap. Optus was no better, the price was good but the service poor even in Sydney. There are a lot of black spots throughout Sydney on Optus and Vodafone that I noticed and once you got out of the major cities the service dropped off dramatically. Have since moved back to Telstra, their plans are now a lot more competitive compared to 5 years ago. Frankly, I wouldn't ever change again, they may be a little more expensive but the service you get is far superior and the new LTE Internet service is sure quick where it's available.

Second the sniper! Or go a surf assassin if you want a bit extra length and power.

I have a sustain 8000 and am very happy with it. Is there a reason shimano reels haven't made the list? The stradic, sustain and twin power reels are all worth a look I think.