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Hi @DerekD. Glad it worked. The result looks very nice. Thanks for the photo. In regards to sharp points - I would melt/soft them and then press them down ( probably with a flat head screwdriver heated over a gas stove) - instead of filing. And probably would also quickly 'check' the ends of a shock cord with a lighter.

If you are interested in a light/finesse freshwater fishing then try to first check freshwater rods from your local retailers. Their equivalent (weight/rating/action) in a common estuary finesse range will cost $100-200 more. My (US model though) Elite Ugly Stik looks and feels more like Pflueger Trion i.e. totally different from 'traditional' Ugly 'noodles' due to higher content of graphite in the composite blank. Recently I noticed Elite combos in local Aldi and did not like the rod at all.

Caught it a few months ago in Mosman area as well. Thought kinda weird wrasse before throwing it back.

Enjoyed it much in the past. Those few seconds of fighting the fish on a pole were quite packed with adrenaline and were worth it. It is quite different (I would say -opposite) to the light line/drag 'waiting game' reel fishing.

Braid will give you more bite sensitivity than mono, and might make your learning curve a bit faster , steeper and perhaps more interesting - whether it is bait or lure fishing. I would keep one rod (shorter) with braid and the other with mono - so you can learn from both. As for the braid cost - It won't take much efforts to find a braid discounted to $5-10 on local shops clearances - it would not be the best choice for using with specialized tackle however will handle any mentioned bream , whiting or flattie just fine.

A piece of old garden hose ( special from around the house ) over the cord will do the job as a thicker handle. I would not use bunnings neoprene tubes as a handle - they are very soft and will be cut quickly on the edges. I would just tighten the stretch cord around the tube instead of ties. If you do want ties - K mart has them muuuch cheaper than bunnings.

Grunt Shock cord 8mmx5meter - $10

Why not try thick bunnings bungee cord! You can cut it , tighten on tube, make a small handle, and move it along the tube when required. 2 minutes job. I would add Kmart large carabiners ($2 for the pair?) to keep the tubes together when necessary.

I loved those promotional videos of modular kayaks . They just show how easy to assemble and dissamble them within seconds and then put them in the small car. None of them will show how much dirt or sand or water or bait smell/pieces you will bring inside of the car too. None of them will show what a decent wave can do with those rubber stripes that holds the parts together. So back to questions. 1. It is OK for quiet conditions and could be dangerous in the open water particularly when you distracted by fishing. 2. Big orange snake chain store used to sell modular point65 kayaks with the lowest price during their usual kayak clearance. I think C kayaks and some kayak store in Melbourne still selling them brand new with delivery. Otherwise usual suspects - eBay etc.

The guys above gave very good advice. I would just add: - Rent or borrow a 'sit on top' kayak for a few sessions in a calm place before buying - so you can work out a bit of your personal preferences, assess your physical condition, or at least confirm if you like it before spending money. - There are plenty of useful topics about kayaking for beginners on this forum - it is much easier to locate them using Google search (just add also word 'fishraider' in search) rather than internal forum search function. - Watch recovery techniques on YouTube and do get some practice on a kayak when you have a chance. - Kayaks like fishing rods will not suit for ALL fishing conditions. Think where you would like to fish mostly and what is your budget- for more specific kayak advice to suit your needs.

I almost bought Wilson one - it looked nice, however 1 piece was not much comfortable for transportation. You can also check online NZ tackle shops where LBG o/head rods are more common and more affordable.

Mate, I think your situation should a bit simpler as high chance Sydney creeks might belong so tidal areas. Just check with local tidal boundaries map.

This might help: https://sites.google.com/site/nswangleraccess/access-rights-and-privileges

Booked a room with waterview and private bathroom last Xmas for the family. Got a dirty room with neighbour house wall view and a shared bathroom. When I mentioned that to the owner - she just changed online room decription. Had to accept the room as it was evening, the closest lodging was over 1 hour drive and over $400 night due to high season. Made some photos of the actual room condition. Later contacted Airbnb and first requested copy of the original booking, they sent 4 copies of receipt with the currently advertised room description. All the personal/financial queries were responded by Airbnb community members instead of Airbnb staff - where is privacy!!!??? Finally found screenshots of the original booking on computer(made them as the emailed confirmation was delayed), added photos of actual condition of the room and requested refund from Airbnb as the service/room is not as described. They told me to deal with owner as they just collect money etc. I told them I will deal with ACCC or them as I booked through their website, and will contact also credit card provider. After over month of active correspondence with Airbnb and 10+closed 'tickets"- my credit card provider advised that 60% of the payment was refunded. The bigger problem is not that some of the rooms are not as described, but there is no sufficient control or assumed responsibility over it.

I would say - avoid Airbnb . If you do book using them - make sure you have screenshots of what you exactly booked - as it is very difficult to prove anything later.

Interesting discussion. So, why right hand wind is preferred in Australia? (I mean besides large overheads). I have a theory that it developed due to majority of local/first fishing reels e.g centerpins and sidecasts had no drag, and fish had to be 'played' with stronger (right) hand.

Just ask for breathable plastic bags at Woolies bread section - they will protect the hanged fish from flies bugs etc and still allow the fish to dry and the liquid to leave the fish and bag. Though I do it only with salted fish.

Hi Derek, As you already noticed I am a 'left hand wind ' person. The problem to find left hand wind baitcasters (not 100% sure about large overheads) usually is at brick & mortar Australian fishing tackle stores - as they are not much popular. Large Australian online tackle shops usually give some choice. The problem with online purchase is that you cant get a reel feeling/ check rig balancing before the reel purchase. I have seen tackle brick shops in Europe that were selling only left-hand baitcasters. Cant comment much about US - as I have not been there for a while. Though left-hand built fully-sealed Van Staal US Spin reels were so unpopular and consequently 'low-priced' in Australia that American fishos were importing them from our shops.

Most spinning reel allow easy and fast change of handle to/from left/right side. The issue is with baitcasters/overhead reels. Alvey allow conversion of reel with provided kit .

Try making salt&air dried estuary bread&butter species. Oily sea species do not taste good. Freshwater species usually have too many bones in the flesh.

Do you see the difference in catches between garlic and soy/oyster sauce?

I would say - get a used kayak that fits your budget and spend the saved cash on other gear like paddle, seat, PFD, kayak trolley, car racks/straps, rod holders, rod leashes, landing net, anchor, fishfinder, live bait tube etc etc ... did I mention fishing tackle? Just make sure kayak suits your intended type and area of fishing. e.g I would not risk fishing in a small cheap 'tub' in open waters or areas with a lot of current, or when a decent paddling required, though in closed or calm waters this 'tub' is quite sufficient to get a chance for a decent catch particularly close to some structure.

This might help: https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/1282710/7108-Qld-Marine-Worm-ID-guide_WEB.PDF

Have a look at this topic:

I used just to squize the splitshot with fingers and open it later with a nail. It was sufficient and held well on a line, never thought to use pliers.