John D.
John is a marine biologist and avid angler who specializes in Gulf Coast estuary systems.
For any angler targeting fish along the Gulf Coast, a deep understanding of tidal movement is non-negotiable. It is arguably the single most important environmental factor influencing fish behavior in these saltwater ecosystems. Tides dictate where bait will be concentrated and, consequently, where the predatory fish we love to target will be actively feeding.
Incoming vs. Outgoing: A Tale of Two Tides
An incoming tide pushes clean, oxygenated water and schools of baitfish from the open gulf into the bays, estuaries, and marshes. This is often a fantastic time to fish. Look for natural choke points like channels, passes, and narrow cuts where predators like Redfish and Speckled Trout will stage to ambush bait being carried in by the current.
An outgoing tide, conversely, pulls water and bait *out* of the shallow marshes and back towards the gulf. This action creates a natural "conveyor belt" of food. For this tide, you should position yourself at the mouths of drains, bayous, and other outflows. Game fish will stack up in these spots, waiting for an easy meal to be washed out to them.
The Golden Rule: "Moving Water" is Everything
You'll often hear experienced coastal anglers say, "No current, no fish." This is the golden rule of inshore fishing. A slack tide—the period of little to no water movement that occurs at the peak of high and low tide—is frequently the least productive time to fish. The key is to have moving water, whether it's coming in or going out. This movement triggers a natural feeding response.
The AI forecasting models in this app heavily weigh tidal movement and current strength when determining the "Best Times to Fish." When a forecast shows a Major Solunar period lining up with a strong outgoing tide, that's a powerful signal that you should be on the water.
Pro-Tip: Fish the Seams and Edges
During a strong tide, avoid casting directly into the middle of the fastest-moving current. Fish, like people, are lazy and prefer to conserve energy. They will often hold on the edges of the current (the "seam"), in eddies, or behind structure like oyster bars or jetty rocks. From these ambush points, they can dart out to grab food as it drifts by. Cast your lure up-current and let it drift naturally past these likely holding spots.