On the beaches, despite the larger than desirable swells over the past week, tailor have been terrific which is not at all surprising given the amount of baitfish along our coastline at present.

This has also not gone unnoticed by the bird population, with masses of gannets, terns and other feathered species regularly seen diving into this smorgasboard. Their presence certainly makes locating the tailor a little easier. Small metal lures continue to work well, as too either pilchards or whitebait.

Along with the tailor, a few bream and school mulloway have been on both North beach and Lighthouse, whilst towns has produced some nice whiting.

Off the rocks tailor have again been terrific with some solid fish well in excess of 2 kilograms. Bream have been quite good however should improve considerably over the coming weeks as they begin to travel the coastline.

The big news however over the past week has been the rapid improvement on the drummer front, with several bag limit catches already, including some terrific fish over 3 kilos. Given the season is only early, and the waters are yet to cool, this is a terrific sign for the months ahead.

In the estuary, there are plenty of mullet assembled in the lower reaches ready for their annual trip along our coastline. Those keen on chasing a large mulloway should pay keen attention to this congregation, as the mulloway certainly will. Live bait and large hard or soft lures will all be worth throwing.

On the bream scene, now the full moon is on the wane, evening sessions should be productive. The breakwalls and Limeburners will both be well worth visiting, with yabbies, mullet strips or gut baits all premier offerings.

On the blackfish front, the break walls have produced a few fish although it is worth noting several large schools have been observed entering the estuary. Look for the action to improve considerably as the weather and water cools over the coming weeks. Those throwing cabbage at present seem to be achieving the better results.

For those keen on chasing a flattie or two, the entire Hastings system seems to be producing fish with whitebait and soft vibe lures both producing the goods.

Offshore news has been limited over the past week with the wind and swells seeing very few opportunities to get out. Of the few reports to hand, Barries Bay is still worth a look for Spanish mackerel and cobia, while close in off Port, snapper numbers are surprising good.

Unfortunately access offshore will be negligible this weekend courtesy of the Ironman and associated road and ramp closures. In this regard, we can confirm Westport ramp will again be open Tuesday, May 8, not August as we incorrectly advised last week.