Recently, a few people have been asking questions about how the tide influences my approach to fishing. In the Lowcountry, we have a tidal range of 5 to 6 feet. Subsequently, we have a consistent 2 to 3 knot current as the tide rises and falls. Tidal range and current are helpful factors for anglers that plan accordingly.
As the tide begins to fall, shrimp and baitfish funnel out of the marsh through small drains and creek mouths. Trout, Flounder and Redfish have this figured out and position themselves accordingly. So I tend to fish this pattern early in the falling tide.
When the water flow from small drains and creek mouths begins to slow down (and food is no longer being funneled), I move to larger creek mouths or marsh points that are still being swept by a good current. These areas are predator feeding stations and should be productive until slack tide.
At the bottom of the tide, I focus on Redfish in shallow water. Not just any shallow area but areas with oyster bars and a depth transition (like a channel). Bait gets concentrated in these areas and Redfish can often be seen chasing it around. They are literally fishing in a barrel. Anglers with shallow draft skiffs can fish in the same barrel.
Three patterns for three stages of the tide. I hope this helps.