The difference between high tide (peak water level) and high slack (when incoming water stops) can be as much as three hours in some areas. The condition of the tide is just one of the variables you need to consider. Let me explain. Add in some misconceptions concerning how fishing success relates to these key factors in the surf game, and the subject continues to beg for attention. I recommend using Tides4fishing.com, where you can check every little detail that you may need to know. This means that the water has six hours to raise from one to five feet, and there will be a powerful current and a lot of water movement. Log In. If you are of that school, you may want to reconsider your approach, and by all means, be clear on the difference between tides and current. With no strong currents, small baitfish often scatters during this period and they can swim fast while escaping the larger fish. Developing content for our amazing partners is what we enjoy; Slack Tide … Surf fishing 2 to 3 hours before and after low tide can also work in certain areas and with certain fish. If there is a low tide of 1 foot and a high tide of 5 feet. The first thing you want to look at is the current. And as a direct result, the higher the current. Tides have a major influence on surf fishing all along the North Carolina coastline, and a general rule of thumb is that high tide is better than low tide, simply because it’s easier to reach deeper waters with every cast. Tides determine the greatest movement of water, thus, what may be biting (or even present) at a given time of day. Oregon tide times and tide charts. High tide is best for fishing due to how high water levels and water movement affect fish’ feeding behavior. Depending on the area where you will be surf fishing, the tidal ranges can vary quite significantly. Surfcasting Republic also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehost, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. If you start surf fishing, you will inadvertently notice that the ocean level changes depending on the time of day you go to the beach. Some areas can produce more bites on specific tides. Surf fishing is an easy fishing method to learn, with your tactics changing depending on factors such as location, seasons, tides, weather conditions, and the type of fish you’re hoping to get on your line; but, just starting out there are simple basics that will get you started off on the right track. If you are after predatory fish, what you will find is that they may be caught during high tide as they try to feed on baitfish. Low tides also allow you to reach the outside holes and structure that hold fish. Along open beach areas with little current flow, tide becomes the critical factor. When the tide is nearing its low point you can often do very well by fishing the back side of the outer sand bars. Are also a tough subject to put your finger on is the fact that what is considered high and low tide can vary a lot.eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'surfcastingrepublic_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_18',856,'0','0'])); What may work for high tide in the Gulf Coast may be inefficient on the East or the West Coast. Big bass are lazy and will exert as little energy as is required to fill their stomachs. The tidal factor is used to predict how strong the current will be, and it indicates how high or low the tides are expected to get. These numbers can vary significantly as a result of the weather changes. But even in places where a rip is a key factor in holding fish to an area, there are exceptions. The water will be much calmer, and there won’t be much of a current. If you fish around inlets, harbor entrances, main channels, or bridges, you are fishing the current in most cases. 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