Understanding Fish Behavior During Tidal Changes: A Guide for Anglers

Fish behavior shifts with the tide, creating unique opportunities for anglers to target species based on their feeding habits. Each tide cycle presents different environmental factors that influence fish positioning and activity, particularly around structures like jetties, bridges, reefs, and channels. While each species has its own tendencies, understanding some general patterns can help anglers make the most of any fishing trip.

In this article we will describe the attributes on incoming vs. outgoing tides and how to maximize your fishing success in each.

Fish Behavior During Incoming Tides

An incoming tide, when water levels rise, typically pushes food, oxygen, and prey fish toward the shoreline or structure, where many fish find prime feeding grounds. Here’s a breakdown of common behaviors during this time:

Water Movement and Food Concentration

As water pushes in, it carries food particles and smaller prey fish along with it. Predatory fish position themselves on the upper side of structures to catch prey being swept in by the tide.

Increased Oxygen and Fish Activity

Incoming tides bring fresh, oxygen-rich water, invigorating fish. Fish like redfish, snook, and certain bass species often become more active and are more willing to feed close to the surface during this time.

Reduced Energy Expenditure

Feeding near the top or upper sides of structures allows fish to conserve energy. Rather than fighting against the incoming current, they can hold position and easily ambush food being delivered by the tide.

Improved Visibility and Prey Access

Rising water levels make it easier for fish to spot prey silhouetted against the structure or the water surface. This can be particularly advantageous for species that feed visually, such as snook and redfish, which tend to become more active in prime visibility conditions.

Fishing Tips for Incoming Tides

• Target the Upper Side of Structures – Position yourself near the top of jetties, reefs, or bridge pilings, where fish will likely be feeding.
• Use Floating or Slow-Sinking Baits – Since fish are closer to the surface, using floating or slightly buoyant lures can mimic the prey’s behavior as it’s carried along by the tide.
• Adjust to Species – Fish like snook and bass are common sight-feeders during incoming tides, so choosing lures or bait that mimic smaller fish can increase your chances of a catch.

Fish Behavior During Outgoing Tides

As the tide recedes, fish behaviors shift to adapt to the changing environment. The outgoing tide pulls water, food, and prey items away from shorelines and structures, and many fish adapt by moving to deeper or more sheltered locations.

Feeding Along Lower Sides and Bottoms of Structures

Many fish seek prey that is pulled by the current along the bottom or lower sides of structures. Here, they can conserve energy while ambushing bait that is swept along by the receding tide.

Movement to Channels and Deeper Water

As shallow areas lose water, fish move to deeper spots, such as channels or drop-offs, where there is still enough coverage and food.

Current Breaks and Bottlenecks

Fish often congregate in areas where the current is less intense, conserving energy while waiting for food to come to them. Outgoing tides also create natural funnels in narrow passages or bottlenecks, concentrating bait and creating feeding opportunities.

• Edging the Flats or Drop-offs – Fish that move off the flats during low tides tend to settle along edges or drop-offs, where they can catch retreating prey.
• Utilizing Tidal Pools and Depressions – Some fish remain in tidal pools, where pockets of water hold residual prey even as the main tide pulls back. These pools can be hotspots for certain species waiting out the low tide.

Fishing Tips for Outgoing Tides

• Focus on Deeper Areas – Position yourself near channels or the bottom of structures where fish gather as water levels drop.
• Use Heavier Jigs or Weighted Baits – In deeper or stronger current areas, weighted bait can help you reach fish positioned along the bottom or behind structure breaks.
• Identify Bottlenecks and Funnels – Outgoing tides often create pinch points where bait is forced through narrow areas; fish tend to gather here, offering a prime opportunity for anglers.

SUMMARY

Each tide cycle is unique, with weather, water temperature, and specific locations playing a role in fish behavior. Some fish, such as striped bass, can be adaptable and may feed throughout the water column as needed. For anglers, adjusting to the tides and observing fish responses can be key in consistently successful fishing. Here’s how:

1. **Use Tide Charts and Apps**: Knowing when tides will change can help you plan your fishing spots in advance.
2. **Observe Local Conditions**: Wind, weather patterns, and even water clarity can influence fish behavior, so stay flexible.
3. **Experiment with Bait**: During different tidal stages, adjusting bait type and placement can yield better results. For example, during incoming tides, use surface-level baits, while outgoing tides may require deeper, weighted bait.

Mastering the art of fishing with the tides can give you a considerable advantage. By positioning yourself strategically and using bait suited to fish behaviors at each tidal stage, you can increase your catch rates and enjoy a rewarding day on the water.

Please send pictures of your fishing success.  You can contact me by email at [email protected].

Tight lines …  Captain P.