Tides

[TooManyHobbies]

When do you guys usually get into the water? 2-3 hours before low, then follow it back in for a couple? I will be working near the shoreline on Friday morning and should finish about 3-4 hours before low tide.

 

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[Blak bart]

It all depends but usually 1-2 hours before and 1-2 hours after. That is no way set in stone for me and often times life dictates that I go when I can and make the best of it. I personally try to work with the tides more than any other factor, it is important to work the tides when in the water and when dry sanding. Im sure others will say different but I personally pay attention to the tides more than any other factor. I guess the most important thing is putting the coil to the soil whenever, and however you can.
Happy hunting and good luck.

 

[CASPER-2]

if your hitting a beach like Bridgeport that goes out slowly - couple hours before and after low is ideal - so 4 hrs is doable - so is 3 before and after if you have the time
other spots drop off fast so you have to get in closer to low and time is limited and area to hit is usually less especially if there are people

 

[ChampFerguson/TN]

Don't EVER let a tide chart tell you to not hunt!

 

[CASPER-2]

Don't EVER let a tide chart tell you to not hunt!

specially in season - I don't like sticking out of the water - so some spots that are really shallow at low tide - Id rather hit at high - so I'm actually mostly under water
makes swinging Cz easier and scooping easier than hunting in ankle deep water - to each their own

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

For me it is a minimum of 2 hours, preferably 3 hours before and 2 hours or more after depending on the number of targets found.

 

[cudamark]

I'm about the same.....2 hours before minimum, to 2 after (if I'm finding decent targets). I'd rather chase the tide out than have it chase me in. If you still have the energy, you can then hit the slope or dry sand.

 

[bigscoop]

Depends on the amount of sand on the beach, the direction of the currents, how busy the beach is, and the volume of water working the beach, etc. In the summer, when there's a lot of soft sand piled up on the beach, I've seen really nice troughs and low spots get completely filled back in as the tide recedes toward low tide. So for me it's never about the tides, it's about finding cuts, troughs, washouts, etc. wherever and whenever I can find them.

 

[FLORIDA KEYS PIRATE]

I just get there at sun up , pick my lane and stick to it for my first pass. Then , if tide change let's me go farther out , I do that for my next pass. When I find a good heavy target , I grid that area for a few minutes in case there are more like it nearby. Then I'm right back into my lane.

 

[adamBomb]

There is no right answer. It depends on so many things, like how long you have to hunt, the temperature, etc.

 

[TooManyHobbies]

There is no right answer. It depends on so many things, like how long you have to hunt, the temperature, etc.

Yeah, I realized that after I posted.
I didn't end up getting there anyway, due to the rain. Had to reschedule. Now the tide is a couple hours later and I have more work moving away from the water. I'll get there eventually.
Thanks.

 

[dewcon4414]

I like to know what the tides are, but i prefer to hunt in the morning....... just means i may go out earlier. I also watch the people.... unless we are getting lots of movement its kind of seasonal to me. Its not always out there. Right now with not a lot of movement and the water and dry sand being HOT...... people are all over the place and so are the recent drops. In the winter they are closer to shore..... you just have to see where its opening up.

 

[Tommybuckets]

I prefer to hunt the two hours before and after the low low tide of the new moon and the full moon. I will hunt the high low too. The new moon is pretty dark but I usually have the place to myself. It can be creepy and a little dangerous but I am ankle deep where its up to my head on a full tide. I am no expert and don't make it to the beach often.
I literally dream about when the tide is way out and I can work the depths while staying dry. Then again being waist to chest deep and having to slather on sunscreen, duck past bikinis in the surf and dodge the boogie boarders isn't terrible. I just end up talking too much of the time.