Agreed, he could have been lying. But you get a feeling for people dont you, you see how they are fishing and the effort and thought they are putting and listen to what they tell you and then you decide how much of a pinch of salt to add to what you here. I think this guy was pretty genuine. I have seen a picture of one of the big uns out as well.
Trust me, they are in there and they are catchable. You just need to put in time and effort. If I were you I would stick to what you are doing for the moment though. Wait till youv'e got a bit of cash coming in and you've got transport. That will help a lot.
Anyway, I'm gonna need my chair back when I come home cos my mate borrows it when we go piking.