Long Bay's offshore reefs and ledges sit on the Gulf Stream's western edge — strong mahi and wahoo fishery May through October with year-round bottom fishing access closer to shore.
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 | 60–68°F | Gulf Stream proximity | King mackerel south; yellowfin offshore. |
| February | 58–66°F | Gulf Stream proximity | Same. |
| March | 62–70°F | Gulf Stream proximity | Yellowfin building; first mahi. |
| April | 68–76°F | Gulf Stream proximity | Mahi run starting. |
| Maynow | 72–80°F | Gulf Stream proximity | Peak mahi run. |
| June | 76–84°F | Gulf Stream and shelf | Multi-species offshore season. |
| July | 80–86°F | Gulf Stream and shelf | Peak summer. |
| August | 80–86°F | Gulf Stream and shelf | Same. |
| September | 78–84°F | Gulf Stream and shelf | Strong fall fishery. |
| October | 72–80°F | Gulf Stream proximity | Continuing strong. |
| November | 66–74°F | Cooling water | Migration south continuing. |
| December | 62–70°F | Gulf Stream proximity | Yellowfin and king mackerel. |
For each target species, the cells show whether typical monthly SST in Long Bay & Myrtle Beach Offshore falls in that species' preferred or optimal range. Best all-around months: May, October, June, April.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahi-Mahi | ||||||||||||
| Wahoo | ||||||||||||
| Yellowfin Tuna | ||||||||||||
| Blackfin Tuna | ||||||||||||
| King Mackerel |
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.
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.
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.
