slowjigger

Had a lot of success with the CD12. A tip is to glue some sheet lead to the tail. This stops it tumbling and tangling with the line when casting.

I got it for the first time 6 weeks ago. It was quite mild in the infectious stage. But it doesn't seem to have gone away - feel rather lethargic and coughing, also a bit of brain fog. The latter might be why I got a hook in my thumb (first time I have done that). It was in really deep so it was off to the Emergency Department. Tip - 2 hook rigs are dangerous when de - hooking a fish. Think about using single hook or be very careful. Perhaps cover the free one with Styrofoam or similar. Definitely use tools like boga grips and hookout or long pliers.

Do you fish them on strike drag our use a bit of drop back?

Quite a complicated motor but plenty of 2 stroke punch as well as being frugal on fuel. If you like the boat and the motor goes well on a water test then go for it.

It's a good idea to replace the head gasket after 10 years. I believe when this is done salt build up like that can be cleared out.

It's an Optimax - a DI 2 stroke. They are very frugal fuel wise.

Some baits are a bit soft - slimy mackerel, tuna. The idea of salting is to toughen them.

No need to keep them salted permanently. Just put then on newspaper with a layer of salt in the fridge overnight to 24 hrs. Then put the bait in plastic bags and freeze.

Find out where the bomboras are and give them a wide berth. Whereabout off Sydney are you looking at?

Obviously a case of poor fishing skills and therefore low expectations. It sounds like you are trying to make a case for declining fisheries though, eg "sign of the times", "bag limits and stuff like that".

Harbour kings are very fussy. Live bait or very fresh squid would be a better bet. Also small snapper and other pickers will make short work of pillies.

It's rare to catch them from the river breakwall. Live baiting is not really a proposition for the reason you mentioned. The walking trail leads to the ledge at Hat Head. It's not hard to work out from the map (it's a state park) and follow the trail from Hat Head. It's a rather long walk though and one bit is particularly hairy with a tiny path in the side of a hill and a few hundred meters steep decline off to one side. There is another trail from the south (Gap Beach I think). It looks about the same distance but I haven't tried it.

I don't know about that. Better for tailor and salmon in winter. Also less competing for space with surfers and other beach users. Westerly winds are good for casting distance too.

Having a little boat you can handle yourself. This might be in addition to an outside boat. I don't always feel up to outside fishing (allergies, working all week), but I'm usually up for a trip in the little boat. Less work, back in good time.

Some are worse than others. Usually the worst ones are where the water builds up behind you due to cliffs or ledges. Places like Yellow Rock and Jolong in the Eastern Suburbs. The Gulf in the Royal National Park.