The Hugli estuary, a distributary of the Ganges extending between 21°32′–22°40′ N latitude and 88°05′–89°00′ E longitude, is primarily influenced by tides and right-bank tributaries, with limited freshwater input from the Farakka barrage. The estuary is characterized as “well-mixed” due to its meso-macro tidal setting and semi-diurnal tidal regime, with significant tidal amplitudes. Flow dynamics are driven by the prevailing monsoonal climate, which brings substantial seasonal variation in river discharge. Satellite data, like Sentinel-2 MSI, help assess TSM Concentration (CTSM), which varies between 132 and 540 mg/I during the pre-monsoon season. CDOM levels are higher during monsoons and near river confluences, decreasing offshore. Seasonal variations show higher Chl-a during monsoons due to nutrient flux, with concentrations ranging from 2.96 to 3.17 mg m−3, highlighting productive fishing zones along the continental shelf. The Hugli estuary’s water temperature varies by 10 °C seasonally, influencing water density and light absorption. During post-monsoons, temperatures range between 27 and 28°, affecting mixing and circulation patterns. Salinity levels range from 4.5 to 13 ppt during the dry season and drop significantly post-monsoon. The Farakka barrage upstream has altered salinity patterns, affecting organism distribution. In the Hugli estuary, DO levels peak post-monsoon and are lower pre-monsoon, showing an inverse relationship with water temperature. Potential Fishing Zones (PFZs) are identified using bio-optical properties like salinity, SST, and Chl-a. Studies indicate a strong correlation between nutrient-rich waters, phytoplankton biomass, and fish aggregation, essential for sustainable fishery management in the Hugli estuary.