Your link brought up a 404 error BananaBoat, but it sounds like an interesting article.I am no expert, in fact I am a schmuck, but I've caught plenty of gurnard from July through to October, they like the cooler water and appear to be distributed through out the entire harbour! Except I'm sorry to hear, where you were fishing on Saturday BB, but I have caught plenty of them around that buoy, and snapper and sharks too. Patience and just the right amount of bastard, appear to be virtues:)
As for MR MIYAGI's passion for low tech fishing, I've occasionally had a hint of what that can offer, typically when my battery has gone flat, but yes, it perhaps focuses the mind on fishing and the conditions, rather than just staring at another bloody screen.
I occasionally go out with one rod and no fish finder, and catch exactly the same fish as when I paddle with all of the bells and whistles, but I do like to know the depth of the water I'm in, and seeing big schools on the screen is helpful for working sliders and soft baits.
I was out walking the dog around the rocks at low tide this afternoon, and bumped into one of Shane's old mates, a member of rock royalty, carrying his extremely light surf gear back after doing battle with a couple of large eagle rays. It was a pleasure to chat and gain some tips from the great man who knows his trade.