The water is warming up to and that’s good for us divers. The water should be in the low to mid 70s barring we don’t get another surprise cold front move through like we had in April. The water will still be a little cool so you may still want to wear a wetsuit. We should also see the winds begin to lay down and more favorable seas. Afternoon convection storms will build along the coast line and inland, but most won’t affect the Gulf. I don’t worry about afternoon storms unless the front is well south of the coastline and moving toward shore.
Southeast winds make for high seas and lower visibility. A few days of southwest winds will mean better visibility and longer waves periods. Kings, black fin tuna, and cobia have moved in. Cobia should start moving off the shoreline and into the deeper wrecks. A friend of mine dove the other day and speared a 42-pound Amberjack in state waters. They’re out there, you just have to be patient and look for them. The red snapper should be opening up on Saturdays and Sundays for May. They’ve been a little hard to find in good numbers or size; you just need to use all your hunting skills and go get them.
Stay hydrated! This starts at least two days before you dive. Staying hydrated means you can avoid decompression sickness and fatigue as long as you abide by all the rules. Last year, a woman I was diving with had to be flown to Mobile with decompression sickness, likely, due to dehydration brought on by an earlier illness; she spent 3 hours in a decompression chamber.
Have your gear serviced annually before the dive season starts so you’re not left on shore while your friends are having fun diving. As always, Plan Your Dive and Dive Your Plan.
Thanks for reading.
CAPT. JAMES TEW
Kitchen Pass Dive & Fishing Charters
850-896-6476