Jono

This is my first fishing report here. I wish it could be a tale of glory. But sadly it’s not that kind of story. This is a messy tale of misadventure. A cautionary tale that may make you feel a little better about your own fishing failures. 
So, after reading some promising forum stories about fishing the mud flats at Lota creek at low tide for whiting and flatties, I thought I’d give it a crack. 
“You might get a bit muddy” they said. Bahhh, a little mud never hurt anyone, I thought to myself. How foolish I was. 
I got to Lota creek and gazed out over the patch of mud, just a short stroll across the flats and I’d be in the perfect spot. So with hope in my heart and the dream of some nice whiting fillets in my stomach I set off. Things started badly, within 10 metres I was in ankle deep and had lost both shoes (thankfully an old pair). I’m not going to let some lost shoes stop me getting to the promised land I thought. I’ll be alright. 
I wasn’t alright… By half way mark I was up to my knees and starting to struggle. Suddenly that small patch of mud was looking more like several football fields. I can’t go back now I thought, so I lurched forward, each step requiring herculean effort to wrench my foot out of the mud, only for it to squelch down into another deep hole, making a hissing noise that sounded disturbingly like a disgruntled demon being exorcised. 
After taking several mini breaks I was finally close enough to the water to throw in a line. There was just one problem….I was completely and utterly knackered. 
So I collapsed onto my tackle bag, and sat there hyperventilating, contemplating all my poor life choices, slowly sinking and pondering better times. Like when I was sitting comfortably on @ellicat's boat, sipping a coffee and not caked from head to toe in mud that smelt of cow ****. 
After about 15 minutes I mustered the strength to have a cast. I managed to catch a 3 inch whiting. “Well ****, that makes it all worth it”. I thought to myself gloomily. After a short while the tide started to come in, and I was done, so I began the long, long walk back. 
Upon reaching the ramp I kind of understood how captain cook must have felt when he stepped foot on our shores for the first time. Relief is an understatement. I gave myself a bath under a park tap. A few people slowed down as they drove by to view the swamp monster freak show. 
So… all in all, not a very successful fishing adventure. In fact, a pretty ****ing **** one. On the plus side, I got a hell of leg workout and now have an excuse to take several long showers. I'll be keeping my feet planted firmly on land from now on.

Thanks for the welcome and for the suggestions. Yes, had a chat to Shimano, about $120 for a replacement handle, and out of stock anyway. Will probably get a whole compatible reel (Baitrunner 8000 for $175) and share the handle for now, then keep a look out for used/parts handle if lucky.
I mostly fish a light setup (1-3kg 1000reel) for fun off my basic kayak, pine river or estuaries. Coming out of my lazy/winter hibernation now.. Also try do an annual camping trip to Moreton or Fraser for 5 days of fishing.
Local Anaconda chap suggested the forum, glad I joined as there’s lots of good stuff on here. 
Will start exploring some basic boat/tinny options as my Dad just moved to Brisbane and not physically capable of kayaking, but would be great to get out on the river or calm bay waters. Seems you can get more than I thought for under $10k. 
 
cheers, Jono

Well just found my favourite kayak fishing spot! Wello wello wello it is a great spot on a perfect morning, let’s put it this way....I won’t be fishing along Redcliffe any longer.
launched the yak at 530am headed through the markers to the drop off, took a left at albakerky and shortly after I was netting my first squire measuring 29 I squealed like a school boy as this was my first I’ve landed in a yak! I started drifting right along the drop off and was getting hits but no luck until a two foot grinner took the bait. By this time my squid I caught a couple weeks ago had defrosted and I swiftly chopped her up. Fresh is best! I got hammered by something big! Fought for a minute and the snapped on the reef! This time I yelled like a cray Neanderthal! Now I was far right heading towards the mangroves and got smashed again and reefed but this tim managed to get him out only to see another 29 squire foul hooked. For the next hour I kept getting hit the reefed until I got excited but this time I pulled up a 40ish baby shark. Soon after landed another squire at 27 and started paddling back towards the ramp. I had another drop and a flat head measuring 42 was landed. Went quiet at around 1030 so called it a day. Had a great time at wello sand will definitely be going back!!

Thanks for the welcome and for the suggestions. Yes, had a chat to Shimano, about $120 for a replacement handle, and out of stock anyway. Will probably get a whole compatible reel (Baitrunner 8000 for $175) and share the handle for now, then keep a look out for used/parts handle if lucky.
I mostly fish a light setup (1-3kg 1000reel) for fun off my basic kayak, pine river or estuaries. Coming out of my lazy/winter hibernation now.. Also try do an annual camping trip to Moreton or Fraser for 5 days of fishing.
Local Anaconda chap suggested the forum, glad I joined as there’s lots of good stuff on here. 
Will start exploring some basic boat/tinny options as my Dad just moved to Brisbane and not physically capable of kayaking, but would be great to get out on the river or calm bay waters. Seems you can get more than I thought for under $10k. 
 
cheers, Jono

Thanks for the welcome and for the suggestions. Yes, had a chat to Shimano, about $120 for a replacement handle, and out of stock anyway. Will probably get a whole compatible reel (Baitrunner 8000 for $175) and share the handle for now, then keep a look out for used/parts handle if lucky.
I mostly fish a light setup (1-3kg 1000reel) for fun off my basic kayak, pine river or estuaries. Coming out of my lazy/winter hibernation now.. Also try do an annual camping trip to Moreton or Fraser for 5 days of fishing.
Local Anaconda chap suggested the forum, glad I joined as there’s lots of good stuff on here. 
Will start exploring some basic boat/tinny options as my Dad just moved to Brisbane and not physically capable of kayaking, but would be great to get out on the river or calm bay waters. Seems you can get more than I thought for under $10k. 
 
cheers, Jono

Wanted to buy - used Saragosa or Baitrunner reels size 8000 or 10000.
Basically just want a replacement handle, so condition doesn’t matter.
Thanks