Tides they are a changin'

If you're going to head out fishing you need to know your tides. This is as true whether you are fishing from a pier, the beach, a bridge or a boat.
Here's what Ron Brooks says about using the tide to your advantage on the reference website About.com: The influence of tidal changes on a fish's feeding and migrating habits cannot be understated. They move with the tide and feed at locations that provide them either access to food or the ambush ability at that food.
The saltwater coast line of the Southern and Southeastern United States is veined with rivers and creeks coming through saltwater estuaries, oyster beds, and marshes to reach the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. These estuaries and marshes are the very beginning of the marine food chain for all species of fish. Learning the basics of this food chain can lead to some fine fishing experiences.
On a high tide, water will flood the marshes, covering acres and acres with as much as two feet or more of water. Crabs and small baitfish will follow that rising tide to feed on in the shallows. Larger fish, such as redfish, flounder, drum and trout will also follow that rising tide in to feed on these baitfish.
High tide in the coastal marsh finds large schools of small redfish on a shallow flat, roaming in search of forage. Individual large reds can be seen tailing as they root for crabs and other crustaceans in the mud.
As the tide begins to fall, the water coming off these flats begins to funnel into small channels, leading into larger channels and eventually into the creeks and rivers. Fish sense the dropping water and will move out with the tide to deeper water. These tidal outflows to deeper water are where fishing can be great.
As the water drops, oyster bars become visible, and the juvenile crabs can be seen scurrying about the shells. Take note of the life that abounds on the oyster bars. They almost tend to be a self contained ecosystem, with each resident depending on the other for survival. Take note, because the larger fish in the area will definitely take note.
So, knowing what the tide is doing is vital to improving your chances. But don't worry about where to find out what they are on Anna Maria Island, we've done the hard work for you (well, part of it).
Just click on this link for up-to-date information on our beautiful island - and fishing paradise.

Tight lines!