If you've ever wondered why some fishing days are better than others, tides might be your answer. Understanding tidal movements is essential for successful fishing. Tides significantly influence fish behavior, feeding patterns, and the accessibility of fishing spots. This article explains the optimal tides for fishing and how to leverage this knowledge with the Fishing Points app to enhance your catch rate.

Optimal Tidal Conditions for Fishing

Strategic anglers know that timing your fishing with tidal movements can improve your results. Here's what you need to know:

Incoming (Rising) Tide

Often considered the best time to fish because:

Fish naturally migrate from deeper waters into shallow feeding areas
Currents push baitfish and prey organisms toward shorelines
Previously exposed structures become submerged, creating new feeding zones
The influx of water typically activates dormant fish and triggers feeding behavior

Outgoing (Falling) Tide

Also excellent for fishing because:

Fish strategically position themselves in channels and deeper holes where water funnels out
Currents pull baitfish and prey away from shorelines and through predictable pathways
Predatory fish gather at these natural bottlenecks for efficient feeding
The receding water concentrates fish populations into more defined areas

The Role of Tidal Current

Strong tidal currents create ideal fishing conditions by:

- Triggering active feeding behaviors across multiple species

- Disorienting smaller prey fish, making them more vulnerable to predators

- Circulating nutrients and food sources throughout the water column

- Disturbing bottom sediment, which often stimulates opportunistic feeding

When to Avoid Fishing

Fishing can be more challenging during:

Slack Tide: The period between high and low tides when water movement is minimal

Dead Low Tide: When water levels reach their minimum, particularly in shallow areas

Extreme Tidal Ranges: Unusually dramatic tides that can disrupt typical fish behavior patterns

Using Fishing Points to Track Tides

Fishing Points helps you identify the best tidal fishing opportunities:

Open "Tides" in your Forecasts menu
Review the tide graph showing rising and falling patterns
Look for the arrows indicating incoming or outgoing tide
Plan your fishing trip during rising or falling tides
Combine tidal information with Fish Activity score for best results

Adapting to Different Fishing Environments

Different fishing environments benefit from different tidal strategies:

Inshore and Flats: Target the final phase of incoming tide and initial phase of outgoing tide

Bridges and Inlets: Focus on peak current periods when water movement is strongest

Offshore Areas: Tides have less impact, but still consider tidal movement when fishing near structures

By understanding how tides affect fish behavior in your local waters and using Fishing Points app to track these movements, you'll significantly improve your chances of a successful fishing experience.