noelm

Yep, offshore Flathead fishing, some "old timers" use two swivels with the sinker between them, but I prefer a running sinker myself.

I find for Flathead that a running sinker to a swivel, and a single hook off the swivel outfishes a paternoster rig consistently, and I never use the lazy paternoster rig with a loop to put the hooks on, it's easy, but not as effective as a single line, not a huge fan of Squid, fish bait is consistently better. Now drifting for other fish is another story, but you mentioned Flathead.

It's probably a good idea to do the questions now and then, remember a piece of paper (license) does not mean you know what you are doing in a boat, so take care out there, and no piece of electronic gadgetry can replace a good set of eyes and a thinking brain!

I guess in a kind of way, the RMS makes sure you know the rules, because that's what you're tested on, and some hours in a mates boat, as the practical component.

There's not a lot of stress involved, get the free book from the RMS or read the rules online, most clubs do a license course now and then too, as do some rescue organisations, be fully conversant with the rules, it's not that hard to learn the rules and sit for the license test at the RMS office.

Just to add another "mulling" where you intend to go also dictates what sort of accomodation you will need, as an example, doing the cape or top end thing, everything wants to bite, sting or buzz you, so, good insect screens and ventilation for the heat is a must, but, doing the bottom half, you will need something warm and able to shield you from the wind when stopped, it's all great fun exploring and meeting people, you don't have to be a full on 4X4 enthusiast to get out there and see what we have, it would take weeks/months to fully explore the Snowy mountains region on its own in the summer time.

I was just mulling this over while having my breakfast out on the balcony, I think a trip like this is kind of like buying a boat, you need to truthfully decide what you want to do, no use buying a caravan with multi wheels, shower, toilet and air cond, if you intend doing the full off road thing, or, only have a small tow vehicle, there is a hell of a lot to months away from home. As an example, my brother has been retired for quite a while, and has probably seen more of Australia than most, he has had camper trailers, poptop vans, motor home, big vans and tents, nothing is perfect, he now has a huge van with everything in it, he tows that to a major town, leaves it in a nice van park to use as a kind of base to do camping trips around the area, right now this seems to suit him (probably not me though) remember everything is a compromise, even a rooftop boat has some valuable tips I can give anyone that I have learned the hard way, put simply, you cant have everything, you can't tow a 16' boat and a caravan, a car top boat is also a compromise, it's never ending, think long and hard about it, listen to everyone's thoughts and sift out what suits you.

As you can see from replies so far, the options are unlimited, it's a fantastic country, no doubt about it.

I have been lucky enough to have seen a lot of our country, from up north, down around the bottom, across the bottom to the west, Tasmania and lots of NSW and really only consider that I have barely scratched the surface. I think personally I would spend the effort seeing only maybe one (big) bit at a time, it also depends if you are going on sealed roads only, or maybe a bit of dirt, or full on "rough it" doing "the Cape" is a great experience, and it's not too late to do it before it becomes a full on tourist destination. You also need to be independent and handy at "bush mechanics" if off road is in your plans, it's a great place pretty well safe just about everywhere if you use your head. My biggest tip, do some local trips first to work out exactly what you need, caravan shows will see you with tons of junk that's basically useless, get out and do it now!

Australia is way too big to just do a lap and think you have seen it all, it would take years to even see a quarter, there is some fantastic places, spectacular scenery and fishing, but, it's a big place.

You should be able to get a key, a proper locksmith can probably help? My Hilux key broke and a local locksmith made a key and reprogrammed it, all for under $50.