Sea surface temperature guide
Charleston and Savannah anchor the central South Atlantic offshore fishery — the Gulf Stream sits 50 to 80 miles offshore with reliable mahi, wahoo, and tuna fishing in the warm months.
Nearest ports
Typical SST
Climatologically typical sea surface temperature ranges based on NOAA CoastWatch SST climatologies. Year-to-year variation is real — verify with current SST imagery before each trip.
| Month | Typical SST | Dominant current | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 62–70°F | Gulf Stream proximity | Yellowfin and wahoo offshore. |
| February | 60–68°F | Gulf Stream proximity | Same. |
| March | 64–72°F | Gulf Stream proximity | Yellowfin and wahoo strong. |
| April | 70–76°F | Gulf Stream proximity | Mahi season starting. |
| May | 74–80°F | Gulf Stream proximity | Peak mahi run. |
| Junenow | 78–84°F | Gulf Stream proximity | Multi-species offshore. |
| July | 80–86°F | Gulf Stream proximity | Peak summer. |
| August | 80–86°F | Gulf Stream proximity | Same. |
| September | 78–84°F | Gulf Stream proximity | Strong fall. |
| October | 74–80°F | Gulf Stream proximity | Continuing. |
| November | 68–76°F | Cooling water | Migration south. |
| December | 64–72°F | Gulf Stream proximity | Yellowfin and wahoo. |
Species accessibility
For each target species, the cells show whether typical monthly SST in Charleston Offshore & Georgia Bight falls in that species' preferred or optimal range. Best all-around months: May, October, April, June.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahi-Mahi | ||||||||||||
| Wahoo | ||||||||||||
| Yellowfin Tuna | ||||||||||||
| Blackfin Tuna | ||||||||||||
| Sailfish |
Species in range
For each species in their preferred SST range this month, the gauge shows the threshold band — verify against current SST imagery before deciding on the run.
Break patterns
Persistent SST features that concentrate baitfish and predators. Use SST imagery to find the break, then fish the warm side.
The boundary where the Gulf Stream's warm core meets cooler shelf water on its inshore side. Typically a 3–8°F break that runs from south to north along the East Coast. Bait stages on the cool side, predators hunt on the warm side. Read SST imagery to find the meanders that bring the wall closer to shore.
Active months
Target species
The continental shelf edge — typically the 100-fathom line — creates a bathymetric structure where deep water meets shallow. Currents accelerate over the edge and bait concentrates. This break produces year-round even when SST differentials are modest.
Active months
Target species
Canyon & structure features
NOAA marine forecast
NOAA Zone AMZ350 →Wind, swell, and tide-stage forecasts for the offshore zone. Pair with SST imagery for trip planning.
Bield: Fish overlays NOAA CoastWatch SST imagery onto your navigation view, highlights temperature breaks within your target species' threshold band, and alerts you when your home zone hits the optimal window.
Start free trial →This page shows climatological SST patterns for planning purposes. Live SST imagery is available in the Bield: Fish app via NOAA CoastWatch — actual conditions vary year to year and verify before each trip.