The weather gods haven’t been too kind in the past month with strong winds and swell dominating reports. We managed only a couple of offshore trips and I don’t believe many other boats got wet either.

We fished a couple of windows in the weather last month and the reef fishing is still very good. The main species that were on the chew were pearl perch, Maori cod and lots of parrot, hussar and Moses perch. Some quality spangled emperor and amberjack also made a welcome appearance. The spotted mackerel are still proving fairly patchy and only randomly popping up among surface bait balls. Spanish mackerel have been a little more consistent, hanging on certain reef structure and hitting live yakkas and trolled garfish baits.

Middle Rock has produced some nice big sea bream and some cracking dart. There have been good whiting catches around the lagoon, and down at Double Island Point. The rest of the beach heading north is quite flat due to persistent winds that have lashed the stretch of coast, and not many gutters have formed as a result. This should all improve as we head into the cooler months.

Mangrove jack have been an excellent target with perfect conditions of hot, steamy weather. Even the odd barramundi has been enticed from some of the local creeks through the straits. Flathead have been caught in good numbers around the mouth of Teebar Creek – soft plastics and unweighted pilchards have been their undoing.

Although the month of April has a reputation for being unsettled, last year the weather was really good and the fishing was on fire. Fingers crossed!

• To enjoy a day on the water with Keely Rose Fishing Charters phone Ed Falconer 0407 146 151 or visit www.keelyrosefishingcharters.com.au.