April is going to be another cracker month to get the rod bent and land a few fish! Its a great time of year up here in the tropical north. The weather has started to cool right down and the humidity has finally subsided. It really is the perfect time to get the land-based gear out, and start exploring the many sweetwater systems available to the keen angler!

The cooler conditions mean the sweetwater jacks will be harder to tempt to smack your lure, but if you put those casts right on their doorsteps you will still be able to land a few red devils. Remember these guys love to sit right back in the structure, so getting your presentation as hard as you can in the timber will give you the best chance. The reaction bite is what you’re chasing, so making that extra effort to position yourself to get that perfect cast. Remember to have that drag tight!

As always, the freshwater rivers and creeks are producing plenty of entertainment on the sooty grunter front. These tough Aussie locals sure know how to an angler’s adrenalin pumping! They can be targeted in many different styles, but I personally believe you can’t beat a good surface strike. Don't be afraid to use a big frog lure, as these fish will hit just about anything that lands in their strike zone. Using light braid around 2-5lb, with 6-8lb fluorocarbon leader, will keep you out of trouble for most assaults. However, every now and then the bigger bush pig soots will feel unstoppable.

My favourite species, the jungle perch (Kuhlia rupestris) will certainly be on the target list this month and with the Easter holidays approaching it is the perfect time to take the family and kids out to enjoy the scenery that this magical species provides. Most of the systems north of Townsville hold good populations of this iconic freshwater gem. Jungle perch fishing is something you don't do just once! It truly is a breathtaking way to go fishing. Catching them really is a bonus.

I hope everyone has a great month and catches a few fish. I know I will be having the best month of my life because I get to marry my fiancée. Guess where I met her… in a fishing tackle shop!

Until next month, fish on!