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Many good fishing opportunities for freshwater game fish occur in rivers and estuaries affected by the tides of bays, inlets or the ocean. Successfully fishing them requires an angler to acquire knowledge of how the changing tides affect the rivers or estuary areas and how the fish typically respond to those regular changes in the local environment.
Game fish found in these areas, like largemouth bass or redfish for example, choose to move, feed or remain inactive in response to somewhat predictable influences. Most anglers are familiar with many of those factors: sunlight, food availability, water temperature, reproduction, etc. And tidal waters affect many of those factors.
Rising and lowering water levels caused by incoming and outgoing tides will change water temperatures and clarity, as well as causing their own current. These changes dictate the movement of baitfish as they leave water or cover that becomes too shallow. Bass and other predatory fish respond by locating themselves in ambush spots to catch the moving baitfish. They will also move to find better cover and more favorable water temperatures. In short, they move to find food, security or comfort.
In any given area, local fishermen have almost always identified the impact of the tides on the various species of game fish and have established techniques that are effective for catching the fish as they respond to the changing waters and conditions of the tidal areas. It is often much more productive to spend a trip or two with a local guide to learn the techniques of fishing these waters before heading out on your own. Local bait and tackle shops can also be good sources of information on local techniques and tidal charts, etc.
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