SST Charts

[Topsail Angler]

This is the time of year when many offshore anglers start watching the SST Charts (SST=Sea Surface Temp). The data for these charts are obtained through satellites and are computed generated based on that data. The most detailed ones usually carry a fee to view them but many sites offer a free version.

Why SST you ask? Well this time of year offshore fishing is all about temperature. It has little to do with the daily air temps, they haven't had much chance to effect the water yet. Rather its warm waters of the gulf stream. they start to move closer to shore this time of year and the winds have a tendency to break off or stretch "fingers" and "fists" of warm warm even closer.

Everyone knows that many of the migratory pelagic fish we cherish prefer warm water. But the key here isn't just finding warm water but finding the Temperature break. That is the place where two bodies of water with slightly different temperatures meet. 1 1/2 to 2 degrees is all it takes. Fish will often "stack" up at these breaks, even with no significant bottom structure beneath them.

So studying the charts, finding a good temp. break and heading for it while watching the surface and the sonar is the strategy of many this time of year. Kings like 66- 68 degree water so look for a temp break in that range, motor to it, look for bait and there you are almost sure to find kings. Troll in a zig zag pattern across the break.

Tuna likely slightly warmer water so look for the 70 - 72 degree breaks.

Here's some examples of charts & the sites they came from:


HotSpots Charts, LLC Saltwater Fishing Charts & FREE Sea Surface Temperature Charts



Free SST Maps - GPS Numbers - North Carolina Offshore Fishing Locations