Fishing conditions and charter outlook from April 2024.
A quick update for planning your April adventures. Spring break is flying by, and we are moving from our windy spring weather toward the calmer stretches we usually look forward to before summer. Nobody told the calendar, though. Some days already feel like summer is here.
Warmer Water and Clear Days for Snorkeling
Snorkeling is becoming a more regular option as temperatures rise and we get more breaks in the wind. During early April, water temperatures have been around 78°F and climbing, with some excellent visibility on the reef.
That clear water is beautiful for snorkeling, even if it makes the fishing more challenging. April into May can be a good time to divide your day between fishing and getting in the water.
I can provide snorkeling equipment, or you can bring your own. Conditions still decide what is suitable. If reef snorkeling is not looking good, we can discuss another activity that fits the day and your group.
Reef Fishing: Yellowtail Snapper Lead the Way
Reef fishing is picking up as the seasonal mix changes. The winter pattern is giving way to spring arrivals, with snapper, grouper, and permit among the fish coming into the picture. A few early mahi are also showing up offshore.
Our catches have been consistent, with yellowtail snapper the main focus. I expect them to remain an important part of our reef trips over the coming months.
The usual plan is to start early and work on catching dinner while the deeper reef bite is better. Once that slows, we explore shallower areas, where less-clear water can give us different opportunities. What we catch and keep depends on the conditions, our presentation, and applicable regulations.
Bayside Snapper on Windy Days
The shallow bayside has given us more protected options when seas outside have been uncomfortable. We have had some great mangrove snapper trips in those areas, with plenty of action.
Looking back at my records, mid-April into May 2023 produced excellent catches in both size and numbers. That is an encouraging seasonal reference, rather than a promise that this year will follow the same script.
Offshore and Wreck Fishing Need a Weather Window
I have not run an offshore trip in a few weeks. Long stretches of wind and larger seas have kept us closer to land, so I do not have a fresh firsthand catch report from out there.
Some early mahi reports are coming in, while tuna remain the main offshore target I would plan around until the mahi run develops. The Marathon Hump is roughly 27 miles out, so we need suitable conditions to make that run worthwhile.
As we move toward May, I expect more offshore options and, hopefully, better weather windows.
Wreck fishing has also been slow leading into April. Permit and mutton snapper opportunities can improve during spring, but we have not had many suitable days to spend time on them.
This is often a patient search for a better fish rather than steady action. Experience handling larger fish helps, especially when sharks and the limits of our tackle become part of the challenge.
Choose a Morning Trip When You Can
At the time of this update, April is looking busy, with many mornings booked and afternoons filling in. Morning departures remain my preference for reef fishing. Strong sunshine, warm water, and high visibility can make the midday bite more difficult.
On afternoon trips, I look for a different location from the one I fished that morning, although other boats may have visited it. Timing and fishing pressure both matter, so we adjust the plan to what we find.
Thanks for reading and supporting the business. The boat is ready, and I am looking forward to more spring days on the water.
If your group wants some fishing and a chance to explore the reef below the surface, ask me about putting the two together for your visit. We can discuss timing, equipment, and everyone’s comfort in the water, then build a plan around the conditions for your dates.
