CatchWindow fishing intelligence

Charlotte Amalie, VI Daily Water Report — October 7, 2026

Charlotte Amalie gets a qualified green light today: excellent sailing and strong diving conditions lead the card, while small-craft paddlers and casual boaters should treat the easterly breeze and short-period chop with proper respect. The useful window is early through late morning, especially around the 8:51–10:51 AM solunar major period and before the 11:39 AM low tide. Fishing rates 7.7/10, supported by that timing, a rising barometer near 1014 hPa, and warm water around 30 C. The afternoon minor period, 3:21–4:21 PM, offers another reasonable option, though wind and chop remain part of the deal. The evening high tide at 6:47 PM may suit shoreline timing, and the 8:51–10:51 PM major period is the day’s second fishing window—but it comes after dark, with the sea only reaching its calmest forecast state near 11 PM. Sailing is the standout at 8.7/10. ESE winds averaging 13 knots, with a 9.8–16.9-knot daily range, provide workable pressure without being a free ride; gusts have already reached 24.1 knots overnight and can make sail handling more athletic than the representative wind suggests. Waves run roughly 1.0–1.4 m, with a 0.72 m swell at a short 4.65 seconds and 0.64 m wind waves at 3.1 seconds. That is manageable motion for capable crews, but not glassy-water cruising. Diving scores 8.4/10, helped by very warm water and available clarity data, though surface conditions still matter on entries and exits. Chlorophyll is low at 0.09 mg/m³, indicating oligotrophic water, but it is not a direct underwater-visibility reading. Kayaking, at 5.3/10, is the day’s compromise activity: the 0.42 m/s current toward 216 degrees, breeze, and short chop can turn a relaxed paddle into a workout. Boating is middling at 6.3/10 for similar reasons. Compared with recent CatchWindow reports, diving has improved from 8.0 on September 30 and boating has improved from 5.4, while sailing remains just below the 9-plus scores seen on several recent dates. Thursday through Sunday keep waves near 0.9–1.1 m but bring frequent rain chances and winds up to 18.4 knots Saturday; the more inviting marine trend arrives Monday and Tuesday as waves ease toward 0.7–1.0 m and winds slacken. Best bet: rig for a brisk morning sail, then let the late-morning solunar window decide whether the rods come out.