Water temps are dropping
November 11, 2019
Hampstead
1 photo
Trip Summary
Trip Summary
The nearshore water temperatures are dipping down below the 70 degree mark. What does that mean?
Mostly, it means some of the game fish we pursue, such as Spanish Mackerel, will be moving south to warmer places. Once they move on, we will say good-bye to them until spring brings the warm water back to our coast. There will still be some bluefish and false albacore for a little longer, since they're more tolerant of cool water.
Others, like king mackerel and dolphin will be pushing offshore with the warm water. We can keep catching these fish, but we'll have to get out to where the fish are. This means running 15-30 miles offshore for the next month or so, and then running even further. This will really stretch the available fishing time for half-day charters. A full-day is the best option at this time of year.
Of course, weather permitting, the Gulf Stream fishing is available all winter long. It does slow a little, compared to the big fall run, but the wahoo, tuna, and a few dolphin will stay out there along the temperature breaks.
The colder temps will also limit the availability of mothership trips. Once the water gets down near the 60 degree mark, we'll stop carrying the 'yaks offshore. If you want to get in on a mothership trip, now's the time! Otherwise, inshore fishing is going wide-open right now for drum, trout, and flounder (flounder are catch-and-release only). The trout fishing usually carries through the winter, while the drum and flounder should start to thin out for a few months.
Give us a call, and let us get you out there!