Understanding your tides is a huge part of angling success.
For fishermen toiling in any bays, rivers, sounds, or inlets, the importance placed on tides is paramount. For many species and locations, entire outings are scheduled around the falling and rising waters and the feeding characteristics each presents. Understanding that tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon is often forgotten when studying online tide charts or the printed versions many tackle shops provide when at the checkout counter. There are two distinct high and low tides each day. The times of peak high and low move by an average of 25 to 35 minutes from one high tide to the next, which equates to 50 to 65 minutes each day. For example, the high tide in Atlantic City on July 2nd was at 5:02 a.m., but the following morning, July 3rd, it occurred at 5:59 a.m.
Backwater experts that target fluke and striped bass are the two groups that are most likely to plan their trips around the tides. Fluke anglers usually prefer fishing around the highest portion of the tide, so when an ebb tide starts to really flush out toward dead low, options exist to continue fishing at a better tide. If fishing near the ocean or an inlet, they can “chase the tide” toward waters further from the ocean and deeper into the backcountry. Printed tides are based on those on the ocean or where an inlet meets the ocean; however, waters that are further back will not reach the same tide stage until later in an outing. For instance, the July 2nd Atlantic City high tide at 5:02 a.m. isn’t the same for Absecon Creek, which is 7 to 10 miles inland. That high tide is slated for 6:29 a.m. Think about that for a moment. There’s roughly an hour and a half difference. And for waters in between, it’s about 45 minutes difference. Here’s the strategy: anglers can fish for summer flounder on each side of flood tide in the inlet first when the cleanest water and the biggest doormats bite. But then they can ride further into their estuary system and fish the same stage of high tide that they did in the inlet. As they continue to push deeper into the backwater, they “gain” tide. This phenomenon exists at each port; therefore, learning the tidal stages at your favorite fishing locations can really help you plan your outing. Of note, some online or printed tide charts will include tide information on waters beyond that of the ocean, which can be very helpful.
Another example of chasing the tide and working toward angling success comes to mind when striped bass fishing. When I used to chunk bunker on the Delaware Bay, I needed moving tide. As the low tide approached at spots near the mouth of the bay, the current slowed, and the bite diminished as the boat began to swing and the skates moved in on the baits. A ride 10, 15, or even 20 miles up the bay provided plenty of moving water, hence an enhanced bite opportunity. As the tide dies out in the upper reaches of the bay, anglers can head back toward the lower bay (the mouth of the bay), where they’ll be able to fish the beginning of the rise. Yes, rising and falling tides take place simultaneously in different places! The strategy allows for fishermen to perpetually fish the most favorable flows. The identical approach works for those tossing plugs on flats or around marsh sods. Stripers stage at different locations at each portion of the tidal cycle, which enables them to intercept and hunt forage effectively. True sharpies have a detailed plan of attack in their mind, whether it be conscious or unconscious. That’s how they catch more than other fishermen; they know where and when to fish each location in an estuarine complex.
All fish seek favorable water to feed in, so anglers who understand how tidal movement affects water clarity and cleanliness, water temperature, and forage availability have a leg up. Seeking an ebb tide when the water is colder in the spring might fire up an early-season fluke bite because the water is warmer. However, the same falling segment of tide in August or September might display muddy and weedy water, which is not preferred. The time of year and migration habits of each species affect what tide portion a fisherman might chase.
