Sea surface temperature guide
Morehead City and Beaufort offer some of the easiest Gulf Stream access on the East Coast — the Big Rock fishery in May produces some of the country's biggest blue marlin during the iconic Big Rock Tournament.
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 | 58–66°F | Gulf Stream within reach | Yellowfin and king mackerel fishable. |
| February | 56–64°F | Gulf Stream within reach | Same. |
| March | 60–68°F | Gulf Stream within reach | Yellowfin building; mahi arriving. |
| April | 66–74°F | Gulf Stream within reach | Mahi run starting; yellowfin strong. |
| May | 70–78°F | Gulf Stream within reach | Peak mahi run; tuna. |
| Junenow | 74–82°F | Gulf Stream proximity | Multi-species offshore season. |
| July | 78–84°F | Gulf Stream and shelf | Peak summer. |
| August | 78–84°F | Gulf Stream and shelf | Same. |
| September | 76–82°F | Gulf Stream proximity | Strong fall fishery. |
| October | 70–78°F | Gulf Stream within reach | Continuing strong. |
| November | 64–72°F | Cooling water with Gulf Stream | Yellowfin and king mackerel south. |
| December | 60–68°F | Gulf Stream within reach | Yellowfin and bluefin. |
Species accessibility
For each target species, the cells show whether typical monthly SST in Onslow Bay & Morehead City Offshore falls in that species' preferred or optimal range. Best all-around months: June, September, May, October.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellowfin Tuna | ||||||||||||
| Mahi-Mahi | ||||||||||||
| Wahoo | ||||||||||||
| Blackfin Tuna | ||||||||||||
| King Mackerel | ||||||||||||
| 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
Canyon & structure features
NOAA marine forecast
NOAA Zone AMZ156 →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.