From time to time we have heard that the best fishing is on the falling or outgoing tide while others have said that the incoming tide is best for one reason or another. But almost all agree that the rising or falling tide is always better than the slack or dead tide. Obviously moving water is best whether it is during the tidal movements or due to water moving out of rivers or creeks. However, there are times that the angler’s choices are limited due when the sun rises or sets, or when the wind and rain are due, or even to one’s personal schedule.

One of the most important things, reports Brian Cope in April’s issue of Carolina Sportsman, is knowing where enough water is present on either tide, and knowing how long you can fish without getting your boat stranded. But Brian also cautions against leaving your honey hole too early on the falling tide. Bait and game fish are both moving out of the shallows and in the frenzy and the predator specie will not pass up an easy meal. It may not be obvious to everyone but creeks and marsh outlets closer to open water will drain last as the tide goes out. The tide lag may be 15, 30 or even 45 minutes, so make a game plan designed to hit your hot spots at the right time and then stick to it.

On the incoming tide, the opposite is true. The closer one is to open water, the sooner hungry fish will arrive to feed on baitfish, fiddler crabs and shrimp. As the fish move into the shallows with the incoming tide it may be difficult to stay in the “zone”, so it is sometimes more successful to move with the tide. Whether the tide is incoming or outgoing, it is best to keep your eye on your depth finder!

P.S. Don’t miss this week’s Sea Trail Fishing Club meeting at the Pink Palace in the Sea Trial Community! Guest Speaker, Donald Coldwell, will give a presentation on boating safety.

You can check out this week’s Agenda on this website.

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