Best Tides

Are there any general rules regarding best times to fish in relation to tides?

Replies:

1. "There are plenty of exceptions, but in general a rising tide is better than the ebb.

Two peak times for many locations are the first hour or so of the young flood, and an hour or so either side of high water. If fishing a new venue with no information available, I would try those times first. If one of those peak times coincides with dusk, so much the better.

Springs v neaps - springs usually better than neaps here on the South Coast. But I know a few places elsewhere where neaps are better.

Very much a matter of "suck it and see" though."

2. "IMHO the tidal stream strength seems to have more effect than time if tide, which varies according to whether they are Neaps or Springs. There also seems to be some validity in the old adage on wind direction

- when the wind is in the East, fishes bite the least
- When the wind is in the North, fishers go not forth
- When the wind is in the South, it blows the bait into the fishes mouth
- When the wind is in the West, fishes bite the best "