I was happily surprised that the weather remained good for almost all of the school holidays, allowing plenty of offshore trips.

The spotted mackerel have turned up at last and should hang around until early June if conditions are favourable. I had almost given up fishing for mackerel but on a recent trip steaming out to the wider reefs I spotted thousands of sea birds feeding.

A closer inspection revealed a feeding frenzy with huge balls of anchovies getting smashed by tuna, sharks and countless spotted mackerel. We put all of the reef fishing gear aside, brought out the spinning gear and dusted off the Halco twisters and raiders. In an instant double and triple hook-ups were on. It was a great way to start a day.

Back to the reefs on the close grounds and big estuary cod are around in great numbers; live yakka's are the best way to catch them. Other fish species on offer in close are Moses perch, sweetlip and squire.

A little further offshore and a good feed of husser, Moses perch, parrot, gold spot wrasse and coral trout can be had.

The action on the beach is pretty much the same as last month, with whiting an easy target along the length of Rainbow Beach and live sand worms the best bait.

Big GT are also still being caught at Inskip Point in front of the camping area – live bait is a must for this species.

Great hauls of whiting are coming from the bottom end of Fraser Island as well as good numbers of flathead. Carlo Point has also produced good numbers of quality flathead. Soft plastics are working really well on the lizards at the moment.

Mangrove jacks continue to be on the boil in Kauri Creek. Live poddy mullet or mullet fillets are working the best in this hot spot.

It has been a fairly good mud crab season so far. I was talking to a visitor to the area who told me he had five big muddies in one pot. That would do me just fine.

Just a heads-up to people partaking in a spot of crabbing; there are new rules prohibiting the use of dillie pots/witches hats. It would be in your favour to check out the new rules and regulations on the DPI website.

For more information about my Keely Rose Fishing Charters ph 0407 146 151 or log onto www.keelyrosefishingcharters.com.au