Daily Fishing Report - April 9, 2026

Weather & Sea Conditions

⚠️ SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT

• Winds: Northeast to east near 20 knots
• Seas: 2-4 feet, occasionally to 5 feet in Hawk Channel
• Visibility: Good with scattered showers possible
• Water Temperature: Estimated 76-78°F (typical for early April)
• Sunrise: 7:05 AM | Sunset: 7:42 PM

Forecast: Fresh to strong breezes will persist through early next week with drier air moving in. Seas building to 4-6 feet by Sunday night.

Tides & Currents

• High Tide: 5:10 AM (0.3 ft) | 3:46 PM (0.5 ft)
• Low Tide: 9:57 AM (0.2 ft)
• Tidal Coefficient: 29 (very low - minimal tidal movement)
• Gulf Stream Position: 15 NM Southeast of Alligator Reef Light, 10 NM Southeast of Molasses Reef Light

Reef-by-Reef Conditions

Molasses Reef

• Depth: 15-35 feet
• Visibility: 40-50 feet with northeast surge
• Current: Moderate east flow
• Target Species: Yellowtail snapper, mutton snapper, grouper (check regulations)
• Notes: Best fishing on the north and west sides out of the wind

Conch Reef

• Depth: 25-45 feet
• Visibility: 35-45 feet
• Current: Light to moderate
• Target Species: Mangrove snapper, cero mackerel, barracuda
• Notes: Look for bait schools on the deep edge

Davis Reef

• Depth: 20-40 feet
• Visibility: 40-50 feet
• Current: Moderate east flow
• Target Species: Yellowtail, mutton, occasional permit
• Notes: Good structure holding fish in current breaks

Crocker Reef

• Depth: 15-30 feet
• Visibility: 35-45 feet
• Current: Light
• Target Species: Lane snapper, grunts, small grouper
• Notes: Protected spot for lighter tackle

Alligator Reef

• Depth: 20-40 feet
• Visibility: 40-50 feet
• Current: Moderate to strong east flow
• Target Species: Amberjack, barracuda, kingfish
• Notes: Watch for pelagics cruising the light tower area

Tennessee Reef

• Depth: 10-25 feet
• Visibility: 30-40 feet
• Current: Light to moderate
• Target Species: Mangrove snapper, sheepshead, Spanish mackerel
• Notes: Shallow water getting stirred up with the wind

Offshore Outlook

Gulf Stream Edge: Running 10-15 miles offshore from the reef line. Look for temperature breaks and weed lines holding dolphin (mahi), blackfin tuna, and wahoo.

Blue Water: Seas 4-6 feet, occasionally to 8 feet in the Straits. Not recommended for smaller vessels today.

Inshore & Backcountry

Florida Bay: Rough conditions with northeast winds 20 knots. Focus on protected creeks and mangrove shorelines for snook and redfish.

Hawk Channel: Choppy with 2-4 foot seas. Fish the lee sides of islands and bridges.

Captain’s Recommendations

1. Best Bet: Reef fishing on the leeward (west) sides of Molasses and Alligator
2. Tactics: Heavy sinkers to get baits down in the current
3. Baits: Live pilchards, ballyhoo, squid strips
4. Timing: Fish the incoming tide this afternoon (3:46 PM high)
5. Safety: Small Craft Advisory means experienced boaters only today

Species Outlook

• Snapper: Good on the reefs with yellowtail and mangrove most active
• Grouper: Fair - check seasonal regulations
• Pelagics: Fair for kingfish and Spanish mackerel near the surface
• Bottom Fish: Good for grunts, porgies, and triggerfish
• Inshore: Fair in protected areas

Midday Update (3:30 PM UTC / 11:30 AM EDT)

Latest NOAA Forecast (1054 AM EDT):

• Wind Surge: A pronounced wind surge moved over northern Florida Keys coastal waters late last night, with breezes continuing to freshen today
• Small Craft Advisory: Remains in effect for all coastal waters
• Seas: Higher in eastern Straits due to northeast swell - building to 4-6 feet west of Cosgrove Shoal Light
• Weekend Outlook: Drier air and fresh to strong breezes forecast for weekend, persisting through early next week
• Straits Conditions: Seas 6-8 feet, occasionally to 10 feet off Upper Keys due to northeast swell
• Wave Detail: Northeast to east 5 feet at 7 seconds and north to northeast 8 feet at 11 seconds

Captain’s Midday Notes:

• Conditions have deteriorated since morning with stronger winds and building seas
• Offshore fishing not recommended - stick to protected reef areas
• Afternoon trips should focus on leeward sides of reefs
• Expect choppier ride back to dock this evening

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Evening Update & Tomorrow’s Outlook (9:00 PM UTC / 5:00 PM EDT)

Latest NOAA Forecast (428 PM EDT):

• Small Craft Advisory: Remains in effect for all local waters through the weekend
• Current Conditions: Northeast to east winds near 20 knots, seas 2-4 feet in Hawk Channel, 5-7 feet in Straits
• Tonight: Winds continue near 20 knots with chance of showers, seas 2-3 feet in bays, 5-7 feet in Straits
• Friday: Similar conditions with northeast to east winds near 20 knots, seas 2-4 feet in Hawk Channel
• Weekend Trend: Winds increasing to 20-25 knots Saturday through Monday, seas building to 4-6 feet

Afternoon Recap:

• Conditions remained challenging with persistent 20-knot northeast winds
• Reef fishing productive on leeward sides, especially Molasses and Alligator
• Yellowtail snapper bite steady in 40-50 foot depths
• Offshore trips reported rough conditions with 5-7 foot seas
• Backcountry fishing limited to protected mangrove creeks

Tomorrow’s Outlook (Friday, April 10):

• Winds: Northeast to east near 20 knots
• Seas: 2-4 feet in Hawk Channel, 5-7 feet in Straits
• Weather: Chance of showers continues, drier air filtering in
• Tides: High 4:32 PM (0.5 ft), Low 10:45 AM (0.2 ft)
• Recommendations: Similar to today - focus on leeward reef sides, heavy sinkers for current

Weekend Warning: Conditions deteriorating Saturday-Sunday with winds 20-25 knots and seas building to 4-6 feet in Hawk Channel, 6-8 feet in Straits. Consider rescheduling offshore trips.

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Morning report based on NOAA Marine Forecast FZUS52 KKEY issued 420 AM EDT April 9, 2026. Midday update based on 1054 AM EDT forecast. Evening update based on 428 PM EDT forecast. Always check current conditions before heading out. Tight lines!

— Captain Kit Carson, DirtyBoat Charters