We had some amazing weather with day after day of sun and low winds. Even when the wind picked up the sun was still shining. As a result there were a lot more fishing trips and plenty of catches to show off.
Bass are with us all year now, and with the two month Closed Season behind us bass were a target species again with some good fish caught. The last few small whiting were still around but they will be gone by the end of the month, probably returning in November.
Pollack are gathering over the wrecks and although it can be a bit of a hunt to find a wreck holding fish, those that persevered were successful.
The first mackerel arrived, attracted by the enormous shoals of baitfish that sometime fill our fish finder screens. I haven’t quite worked out the migration pattern of herrings but they were around in good numbers this April. Good for bait and even better fried in oatmeal.
Another summer visitor is the smoothhound and these hard fighters give great sport on the right tackle, particularly in shallow water. The first bream appeared and became more plentiful towards the end of the month. The larger breeding fish will probably depart after May but there will still be plenty of bream to catch all through summer.
There is always the chance of a bonus fish and Jim Atkins managed to find a turbot. Jim also scored the prize for biggest bass in the Sea Angling Classic Meet & Fish hosted by Premier Marinas Southsea and sponsored by Crewsaver (see Galley below).
All in all, a great start to the summer season and if the tope follow the mackerel as usual we should have a good May.