Firstly, the link here might answer a few of your questions.
most boats travel on the southern side (Tomaree headland) as its the safest passage through the heads.
Depending on size of the boat, a 1.4m or less swell and 10knot winds are generally the max for small boats.
Livies at cabbage tree in the n/w corner. If not, the western side of the island in close to the rocks and burley. A sabikiworks well with a bit of bait on it for slimies.
Snapper, between cod rock and the sisters drifting the reefs between 15-25m of water!
Good luck,
cheers scratchie!!!