CatchWindow fishing intelligence

Cutler Farris Wharf, ME Daily Water Report — October 6, 2026

Today is a qualified go, strongest for sailors and divers who are comfortable with brisk October conditions; paddlers should give it a miss unless conditions are well within their personal margin. A dry, clear day is on tap, but the water has teeth: WSW winds average around 13 knots, with gusts reaching 34 knots near 6 AM, while short-period wind waves run about 1.0 metre at 3.8 seconds. That is the sort of chop that turns a simple crossing into a workout and makes cold hands a poor decision-maker. Sailing earns the day’s best activity score at 8/10, with enough breeze for a proper outing and no rain indicated. The catch is the gust spread, so this is more “reef early, enjoy later” than carefree canvas weather. Boating rates 6.2/10: workable for capable crews and suitable craft, but the 0.7–1.3 m wave range and a 0.58 m/s ocean current toward 70 degrees deserve real attention. Conditions ease late, with the day’s calmest seas forecast near 11 PM at 0.74 m, though darkness and the 12.6 C sea temperature make that a poor bargain for most small-craft plans. Fishing is a respectable 6.3/10, with the rising barometer and major solunar window from 8:09 to 10:09 AM offering the most appealing daylight stretch. The evening major period, 8:09 to 10:09 PM, overlaps the high tide at 8:05 PM but arrives after sunset. Divers score 7.2/10, though that rating is not a safety clearance: short wind chop, current, and cold water still favor disciplined planning. Kayaking slips to 4.5/10, down sharply from 7.3 yesterday as winds have strengthened from 5.3 knots to today’s gusty setup. Tides make a big swing, rising from the 1:26 AM low to a 4.04 m high at 7:41 AM, then falling to 0.37 m at 1:53 PM before the evening high. Shoreline explorers may prefer the afternoon low, but should account for the rapid return of water. Atmospheric visibility is excellent near 26.8 km; it says nothing about underwater clarity. Wednesday brings lighter seas of 0.5–1.0 m, while Saturday currently looks like the cleanest marine break at 0.4–0.7 m. Best bet: sail the morning with a reef already in the plan, then let the gusts brag to someone else.