Last Updated on January 30, 2022 by
Redfish movement is closely related to the flow of water created by tidal influences. Therefore, anglers can increase their odds of success while targeting redfish by carefully monitoring expected changes in tides during the fishing day. In addition, you’ll vastly improve your odds of success by narrowing down fishable space from what seems to be massive and endless areas to ones that offer the best setting for holding the most reds.
The influence of tides on redfish movement is more significant in areas where tides move the most. In other words, if you’re in a part of the country where tide movement is negligible (a few inches at a time) like Louisiana, tides may have little to no effect on fish movement. However, in places like Georgia and South Carolina, tides can change the water level in increments related to feet versus inches, which can significantly affect fish location.
High tides tend to push redfish into shallow water as they move to flooded skinny water in search of easy prey. As tides rise, reds generally disband and spread out. They bunch up into smaller, more concentrated groups when the water recedes.
One of the most popular tactics for using tidal influence to target reds is related to low tide fishing. It is common for fishermen to look for big schools of reds trapped in smaller pools of water created due to low tide influences. Although these fish are stacked up and easier to find, some feel that they may be tougher to catch because of the infamous fishing pressure.
In contrast, many believe that redfish react more favorably to lure and bait presentation during periods of high tide when fish disperse into a wider area. The sentiment here is that, although redfish may be more difficult to find, these fish are not as skittish or sensitive and, thus, seem more eager to eat.
Although there are differing tide fishing preferences, most agree that redfish will continue to bite through various stages of water depth fluctuations. In general, reds move according to very predictable patterns relative to significant changes in tides so being ready to adjust throughout the day with changing water depths is essential to success.
By paying close attention to expected high and low tides, anglers can carefully plan their preferred tactics for their day of fishing by targeting the best areas. Redfish do not stop moving, especially on the east coast, where tides change water depth quite a bit. So by taking time to analyze the effects of rising and falling tides, you’ll significantly improve your odds of catching more fish.