Captain's Log — May 22, 2026

Friday, May 22. Southeast wind holding near 15 knots with Hawk Channel 2 to 4 feet, Straits running 3 to 5. Not flat but comfortable — and a major improvement over the 20-knot east blow we were dealing with last week. The Gulf Stream is sitting close, just 1 to 4 nautical miles off the reef.

SSTs: still that same gradient. Coolest water 80.2°F on the Gulf side, warmest 83.3°F at 25.125°N, 80.875°W. The 2-3°F thermal break between 81°F nearshore and 83°F+ offshore is what’s drawing the fish in. Reef temps running 81°F to 81.5°F across the line.

Red snapper season was supposed to open today. Instead, a federal judge’s injunction shut it down before it started. The FWC response was colorful — called the judge “rogue” and posted a picture of a red snapper with “Come and take it.” For us down here it doesn’t change much day-to-day, but the long-term implications for South Atlantic fishery management are serious. S.A.F.E. is watching this closely.

The reef bite is solid but not wide open. Yellowtail are chewing in 90-plus feet, but the moderate chop and current are keeping the bite a little tighter than ideal. Still put together a mixed box.

Headed to the 600-foot curve east of Alligator Reef where the 82.5°F+ water starts. Found scattered weed mats holding mahi. The numbers are ticking up. Landed three nice fish — 12 to 18 pounds — and lost a bigger one that cut the leader on the weed line.

Also put a wahoo in the box on a deep runner on the way back. Not a giant, but a good sign. The wahoo showing usually means the water’s setting up right.

Tides: low at 8:33 AM (0.07 ft), high at 2:37 PM (2.04 ft), low at 8:58 PM (-0.02 ft). Waxing crescent 38%. Major period 7-9 AM — incoming after the low, textbook.

Wind forecast keeps improving. If the models hold, we’ll have tournament-grade weather next weekend.