Picking the best time to fish may sound impossible, but it can be done by examining certain factors. Technically anytime is a good time to fish, but there are many things that can influence the success rate. There’s no perfect time to hit the water, but that doesn’t mean that every angler has to rely solely on chance.
This is exceptionally good news, since a failed fishing trip can dampen even the highest spirits. To avoid wasting time, anglers have to learn how to make each trip count. Fortunately, getting the most out of an expedition is as easy as coming up with a plan.
Since ignorance is costly, no one should tackle the high sea without a game plan. Making a few strategic considerations can make the difference between landing an epic catch & hopelessly staring at the water. All that’s needed is a little education, & manipulating the odds in your favor becomes a breeze. This is valuable to know, since going on a fishing trip is far from free.
To avoid wasting time, it’s essential to educate yourself. Every angler can use a little guidance, since it will save money & countless headaches. For this reason, we have compiled a list of factors that every angler should know about. These make a surprisingly big difference, so get ready to take your fishing career to the next level!
3 Factors That Dictate When to Fish
Factor #1: Lunar Phases – This often-overlooked part of nature affects fish activity in a number of ways. Since a new moon emits more light, this increases activity in the water. The added illumination makes it easier for fish to feed, which is perfect for the avid fisherman.
On top of driving fish wild, lunar phases also coincide with stronger tides. This increases the intensity of currents, which force fish to move more. Once they are in motion, it’s only a matter of time before they feed. A new moon can be a huge asset, so make sure to check the lunar phase when planning a trip!
Factor #2: Saltwater Tides – This is one of the hardest aspects to keep tabs on, but it’s also the most rewarding. Saltwater tides fluctuate every day, but they can’t escape calculated predictions. Since it’s so important, tide info can always be found at local tackle shops. These are mapped by daily tide charts, which are essential for any serious fisherman.
When examining a daily tide chart, there are a few important things to look for. The first is to avoid slack tides, since this is when the water is neither incoming or outgoing. Stagnant water is dead time for fish, so activity level will be remarkably low.
While a slack tide should be avoided, a heavy incoming tide is ideal. This brings baitfish & crustaceans closer to land, which is great news when fishing off a pier. No matter how you are fishing, the more movement in the water the better. This will keep the fish active & biting, so show up at the right time!
Factor #3: Seasons – This is a key element to plan for, since it can make or break any fishing trip. Even though the seasons only affect our comfort, they dictate how fish migrate. Each species has a specific pattern, which is based on mating & feeding habits. When the water temperatures are undesirable, fish migrate to better conditions. Stay on top of the action by planning according to your target species. It will save you a wasted trip!