Beginning in Virginia and moving down the Eastern shore of the US, to tip of Florida and then continuing along the coast, heading west thru Alabama, and on to the Gulf Coast of Texas there are numerous tidal rivers that hold a great number of bass and other fish. This includes rivers such as the Potamic, James, Santee-Cooper and St Johns to cite a few.
One of the fun parts of fishing these tidal waters is the variety of the fish population. Where fresh and salt water species mix, it is not unusual to catch a black bass or striper on one cast and hook up with a redfish or speckled trout on the next. In tidal waters usually fishing is done in the shallows at depths that barely is more than 10 feet enabling access from the shore, by wading or from a boat. Fisherman sometimes concentrate on one of 2 areas based on on what species they're aiming for. Some fish prefer back water tributaries while others gather in the main tidal channels.
In the backwater areas, you will encounter flooded woods, lily pads, hydrilla and other types of aquatic plants that create heavy cover for little groupings of fish. These backwater locations are no place for very light tackle and it's smart to use 15 lb to 20 lb test line. The best lures differ by season with spinner baits, buzzbaits, top water lures and Texas rigged worms among the most preferred options. Backwater fishing can be very good during the spring, summer and fall but since the water is very shallow during cold winter days the fish will tend to become sluggish
In the main river the majority of the fish relate to slack water sections like eddies formed by both natural and manmade obstructions. Fishing in the depths of the main river channel away from these slack areas tends to be unproductive.The key difference between fishing a tidal river and other bodies of water is the significant affect of the tides on the fish.
Since the tide flows in two directions, areas that may be dead water on an outgoing tide, will be fully packed with fish when the flow reverses 9 to 10 hours later . So an appreciation of the timing and nature of the tides is a very important part of fishing tidal water. Fishing also has a tendency to be better when the tide is changing direction and the current is weaker. Fish prefer to feed during these times because they can exert less energy than having to chase baitfish in a heavy current. Lures that work best in the tidal river are plastic worms, jigs and crankbaits.
Tidal rivers tend to be under fished because of the added difficulty of the angling, but once mastered will be a reliable source of excellent fishing.
One of the fun parts of fishing these tidal waters is the variety of the fish population. Where fresh and salt water species mix, it is not unusual to catch a black bass or striper on one cast and hook up with a redfish or speckled trout on the next. In tidal waters usually fishing is done in the shallows at depths that barely is more than 10 feet enabling access from the shore, by wading or from a boat. Fisherman sometimes concentrate on one of 2 areas based on on what species they're aiming for. Some fish prefer back water tributaries while others gather in the main tidal channels.
In the backwater areas, you will encounter flooded woods, lily pads, hydrilla and other types of aquatic plants that create heavy cover for little groupings of fish. These backwater locations are no place for very light tackle and it's smart to use 15 lb to 20 lb test line. The best lures differ by season with spinner baits, buzzbaits, top water lures and Texas rigged worms among the most preferred options. Backwater fishing can be very good during the spring, summer and fall but since the water is very shallow during cold winter days the fish will tend to become sluggish
In the main river the majority of the fish relate to slack water sections like eddies formed by both natural and manmade obstructions. Fishing in the depths of the main river channel away from these slack areas tends to be unproductive.The key difference between fishing a tidal river and other bodies of water is the significant affect of the tides on the fish.
Since the tide flows in two directions, areas that may be dead water on an outgoing tide, will be fully packed with fish when the flow reverses 9 to 10 hours later . So an appreciation of the timing and nature of the tides is a very important part of fishing tidal water. Fishing also has a tendency to be better when the tide is changing direction and the current is weaker. Fish prefer to feed during these times because they can exert less energy than having to chase baitfish in a heavy current. Lures that work best in the tidal river are plastic worms, jigs and crankbaits.
Tidal rivers tend to be under fished because of the added difficulty of the angling, but once mastered will be a reliable source of excellent fishing.
About the Author:
FIshing rivers and streams is a fun and relaxing hobby. Click on the links Youth Waders and Wader Boots to learn about some of the oerlooked fishing equipment that helps in pursuing this hobby:
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