FISHING TIDES EXPLAINED
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FISHING TIDES EXPLAINED
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Tides Explained
This page was last updated on
Friday 31 January 2014
The Tides
Tidal Abbreviations
High Water SpringHWS
High Water NeapHWN
Low Water SpringLWS
Low Water NeapLWN
British Summer TimeBST
Greenwich Mean TimeGMT
Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the combined effects of the rotation of the earth and the gravitational forces exerted by the moon and the sun. At full and new moon the pull is strongest, and thus we get the highest and lowest tides of the month (Springs) and at the first and third (last) quarters of the moon the pull is weakest producing the least difference between high and low tides (Neaps).
The tides occur within a period of approximately 12½ hours and are influenced by the shape of the near-shore sea bed. The time of H.W. increases by approximately 30 minutes every twelve hours. A tide flows for approximately six hours and 10 minutes and then ebbs for about 6 hours 10 minutes, but does not ebb and flow over the ground at a uniform speed. For Deal the average high water (H.W.) is 20 feet 1 inch (6.12 metres) and the average low water (L.W.) is 4 feet 7½ inches (1.41 metres), giving an average tidal range of 15 feet 5½ inches (4.71 metres, rounded up to 4.8 metres - 15ft 6in) which will rise (or fall) in the usual 1 2 3 3 2 1 ("rule of twelfths") pattern as follows:
HourRise\Fall (m)Aggregate (m)
1st hour1 ft 3¾ in (0.4)1 ft 3¾ in (0.4)
2nd hour2 ft 7½ in (0.8)3 ft 11¼ in (1.2)
3rd hour3 ft 11¼ in (1.2)7 ft 10½ in (2.4)
4th hour3 ft 11¼ in (1.2)11 ft 9¾ in (3.6)
5th hour2 ft 7½ in (0.8)14 ft 5¼ in (4.4)
6th hour1 ft 3¾ in (0.4)15ft 9in (4.
The tidal direction ("set") of the current is a true direction toward which the current is flowing. Accordingly, a current that flows from north to south is called a southerly current and has a set of 180°. This is just the opposite terminology of wind direction which is always referenced regarding the wind's origin e.g. a wind blowing from north to south is called a north wind or northerly.
The strength of ebb and flood of a tidal current is its speed, normally measured in knots and is called "drift". A tidal current is said to flood when it flows in from the sea, resulting in higher tidal stages. Conversely, a tidal current ebbs when the flow is seaward and the water level falls.
Note that "flowing tide", "flood tide" and "rising tide" are synonymous terms for the general expression "tide is coming in"; conversely, an ebb tide or "falling tide" is one that is "going out". For the most part, the ebb is usually stronger and lasts longer than the flood.
As these currents reverse direction, there are periods of no flow, called slack, or slack water. The time of slack water is not the same as the time of stand, which is when the rise or fall of the tidal height has stopped. Also the time of H.W. or L.W. will not necessarily correspond with the change of tidal current direction.
Tides are published in many places, be sure to check if the time of the tide is BST or GMT. You might also have to add time or deduct time. There is generally a table so you can adjust the local time of your tide against the published time. Have a good look at your local tide tables and check you are reading them correctly.
To increase your chances of catching from the sea you need to be there when the fish are hunting on that mark. Tide is a huge factor in this.
Generally larger tides induce more fish in to feed, because stronger currents scour food from the sea bed and higher tides flood beaches and rock dragging food sources into the sea. Also higher tides are often when other sea creatures mate and give birth hence a lot of planktonic food stuffs in the water column. For example mysis shrimp are found in greater numbers when there is a full moon i.e. at spring tide.
As a rule of thumb, the last hour of a rising tide and the first two hours down are the prime fishing times. This said, some marks fish best at low water, or just on the flood so you will need to try and see what fishes best.
Another factor is daylight. The bigger predators generally hunt closer to the shore as it gets dark, so a spring tide in the evening or early morning would be you best option for a first attempt at a new mark.
Tidal Effects
As the tide flows to cover more and more of the beach, the water covered area becomes the sea bed and many small forms of marine life emerge from refuge. Many species of fish are aware of this behaviour and follow the tide in to seek and devour anything tasty that may appear.
Larger tides induce more fish inshore to feed because
stronger currents scour food from the sea bed and higher tides flood beaches and rocks dragging food items into the sea; and
marine organisms often coordinate reproduction and synchronise spawning and hatching during higher tides resulting in larger numbers of molluscs, benthos, nekton and plankton in the water column.
The best fishing occurs when the main run of flood and ebb tide is rushing past - feeding then drops away towards slack water. When the tide runs fast, bottom and sight feeding fish are more eager to seize and eat food before it passes out of reach.
Generally speaking, sight feeders react aggressively to something that looks and moves like prey and are unlikely to be attracted to odd-shaped lumps of bait and may even be wary of large non-food objects such as lead weights.
Tidal Streams: South Sand Head
Table showing the approximate direction and rate of tidal streams at South Sand Head, close to south-west Goodwin Buoy (51° 09' 0N and 1° 27' 7E), being the closest of five marine chart datum points to Deal (speeds in knots)
Hours before H.W. Hours after H.W.
654321H.W.123456
Direction212213216228Slack032038039034031Slack203210
Springs2.22.21.91.3Slack1.22.02.32.21.5Slack1.01.8
Neaps1.21.21.10.8Slack0.71.21.31.20.8Slack0.61.0
Accordingly, the prevailing tidal directions for Deal are:
northeast by north between H.W. -2 hours and H.W. +4 hours (with an 8° range between 031° and 039° - average 35°, median 34°)
southwest by south between H.W. +4 hours and H.W. -2 hours (with a 25° range between 203° and 228° - average 214°, median 213°)
Tidal Streams: The Downs
Tidal Streams: The streams in the fairway of the English channel, off the northern coast of France, and off the southern coast of England, have, up to the present, been called "east-going" and "west-going". Off the coast between South Foreland and North Foreland, in the Downs and round the Goodwin Sands, the Channel east-going stream is more nearly north-going, and the Channel west-going stream is more nearly south-going; the designations of the streams have been changed accordingly. This alteration is specially required because the north- and south-going streams of the Downs meet with and separate from the east- and west-going streams of the Thames estuary off the coast between North Foreland and Foreness.
The streams run northward and southward through the Downs, usually in about the direction of the Channel, but the times at which they begin to run become appreciably later from south to north. At a position 5.4 miles 082° from South Foreland lighthouse, south-westward of South Sand Head, the southern extremity of Goodwin Sands, the north-going stream, spring rate 2.3 knots, neap rate 1.3 knots, mean direction 035°, begins -0200 Dover; the south-going stream, spring rate 2.2 knots, neap rate 1.2 knots, mean direction 214°, begins +0400 Dover. The north-going stream when strongest runs in a direction 039°, just clear westward of South Sand Head (see "Caution" below).
At a position 159°, 3.5 miles from the entrance to Ramsgate harbour, the north-going stream, spring rate 3.2 knots, neap rate 1.7 knots, mean direction 020°, begins -0135 Dover; the south-going stream, spring rate 2.8 knots, neap rate 1.5 knots, mean direction 197°, begins +0435 Dover (Lat. 51° 08' N., Long. 1° 19' E.).
At a position on the north-western side of Gull Stream about one mile west-north-westward of N. Goodwin light-buoy, the north-going stream, spring rate 2.8 knots, neap rate 1.6 knots, mean direction 030°, begins -0120 Dover; the south-going stream, spring rate 2.6 knots, neap rate 1.4 knots, mean direction 215°, begins +0440 Dover.
At a position about 3.2 miles 141° from North Foreland lighthouse, the north-going stream, spring rate 2.5 knots, neap rate 1.3 knots, mean direction 019°, begins -0120 Dover; the south-going stream, spring rate 2.2 knots, neap rate 1.3 knots, mean direction 200°, begins +0440 Dover. The stream at this position is more or less rotatory; the north-going stream begins in a direction about 340°, when strong runs in directions between about 005° and 025°, and ends in a direction about 060°; the south-going stream begins in a direction about 135°, when strong runs in directions between about 190° and 205°, and ends in a direction about 230°.
At a position, about 2½ miles northward of Goodwin Knoll, the north-going stream, which is slightly rotatory, begins, in a direction about 357°, -0120 Dover, runs when strong (over 2 knots at springs) in directions between 010° and 045° attaining its greatest rate, 3.2 knots at springs 1.8 knots at neaps, in a direction 023°, +0100 Dover, and ends, in a direction about 060°. The south-going stream, which is more nearly rectilinear, begins, in a direction about 180°, +0500 Dover, attains its greatest rate, 3.1 knots at springs 1.7 knots at neaps, in a direction 208°, -0400 Dover, and ends in a direction about 230°.
The streams in the neighbourhood of the Downs and Goodwin sands are more or less rotatory in a clockwise direction but the degree of rotation varies in different parts; at all positions, however, though at the beginning of the stream, either north-going or south-going, its direction may be considerably to the left, and at its end considerably to the right, of its mean direction, the direction changes quickly near the beginning and end of the stream, which, when at all strong, always runs within a few degrees of its mean direction. As a rough general rule it may be assumed that, except off the northern side of Goodwin Knoll and the sand westward of it, half an hour after the stream begins it is running in a direction about 5° to the left of its mean direction, and that this direction changes gradually to the right till, half an hour before the stream ends (or before the stream in the opposite direction begins), when its direction is about 5° to the right of its mean direction.
Northward of Goodwin Knoll and the sand westward of it, the streams are more rotatory, and about one hour after the stream in either direction begins its direction is about 10° to the left, and about one hour before it ends about 10° to the right, of its mean direction.
Between South and North Forelands the streams run strongly along the coast between South Foreland and Deal; the north-going stream begins about -0150 Dover, the south-going stream begins about +0415 Dover (Lat. 51° 08' N., Long. 1° 19' E.).
In the bay formed by the coast between Deal and Ramsgate the streams are weak. Definite information regarding the streams in the River Stour is not available; the in-going (flood) stream probably begins about -0450 Dover and runs at first in the channel through the flats; later, as the flats cover, it runs inwards towards Shellness from all directions. The ebb stream probably begins about +0020 Dover and runs at first across the flats towards Ramsgate; later, as the flats dry, it runs in the channel.
Off Ramsgate pier heads the north-going stream, direction north-eastward, begins about -0210 Dover; the south-going stream, direction south-westward, begins about +0400 Dover; spring rate in both directions about 3 knots.
Between Ramsgate and North Foreland the north-going stream begins about -0140 Dover, the south-going stream begins about +0420 Dover; the streams are strong off the southern part of this coast, but lose strength and become irregular as North Foreland is approached (see below).
Caution: At certain positions, and at certain times, the streams set strongly towards and across the Goodwin sands, as follows:
Southward of South Sand Head, between about -0100 and +0300 Dover, the north-going stream sets strongly towards and across the southern part of the sands in the direction of its length; this set is specially dangerous, for it occurs near high water when the sands are covered.
Observations have not been obtained between South Sand Head and the Fork, or in Trinity Bay. It is, however, probable that the north-going stream sets north-eastward into Trinity Bay and through Kellett Gut, and north-north-eastward into the channel which runs towards the drying sand westward of Goodwin Knoll. This set, if it occurs, is dangerous, for it occurs near high water when the sands are covered.
In the southern part of Gull Stream the streams run about in the direction of the channel.
About 2½ miles northward of Goodwin Sands the south-going stream sets at first towards Goodwin Knoll, but changes direction quickly and when strongest sets towards the western part of the drying sand westward of Goodwin Knoll; the strongest set occurs about one hour before low water, when, at springs, the sands are beginning to dry and probably deflect the stream. In order to ascertain the set, the streams have been observed at two positions northward of the sands, in 51° 18.3' N., 1° 34.4' E., and in 51° 18.2' N. 1° 31.8' E.
At the first of these positions the north-going stream, spring rate 2.4 knots, neap rate 1.4 knots, begins -0135 Dover and runs in directions which change gradually from about 340° to about 015°, the greatest rate being attained in a direction 002°. The south-going stream, spring rate 2.1 knots, neap rate 1.1 knots, begins -0400 Dover, in a south-easterly direction, but changes quickly, runs when strong in directions from 180° to 200°, and ends in a south-westerly direction. At this position, therefore, the south-going stream when strong runs directly towards the sands, but this set occurs near low water.
At the second position the north-going stream, spring rate 2.3 knots, neap rate 1.3 knots, begins, in a northerly direction, -0120 Dover; the direction changes quickly and, when strong, the stream runs in a direction about 045°, and ends in an easterly direction. The south-going stream, spring rate 2.3 knots, neap rate 1.3 knots, begins, in a south-south-easterly direction, +0440 Dover; the direction changes quickly, and when strong the stream runs in directions 220° to 230°, and ends in a west-south-westerly direction. At this position, though the south-going stream runs towards the sand at first, when strong it runs in about the direction of the Gull stream.
Tide Glossary
Chart Datum: is the plane below which all depths are published on a navigational chart. It is also the plane to which all tidal heights are referred, so by adding the tidal height to the charted depth, the true depth of water is determined. By international agreement, Chart Datum is defined as a level so low that the tide will not frequently fall below it. In the United Kingdom, this level is normally approximately the level of Lowest Astronomical Tide. Chart Datum is shown on charts as the zero metre contour
Current: horizontal movement of water
Drift: the speed of a tidal current, which is normally expressed in knots and measured to the nearest 10th of a knot. River currents are measured in mph
Ebb: tidal current moving away from land or down a tidal stream
Flood: tidal current moving toward land or up a tidal stream
HAT (Highest Astronomical Tide) & LAT (Lowest Astronomical Tide): the highest and lowest levels respectively which can be predicted to occur under average meteorological conditions and under any combination of astronomical conditions. These levels will not be reached every year. HAT and LAT are not the extreme levels which can be reached as storm surges and other meteorological conditions may cause considerably higher and lower levels to occur
MHWN (Mean High Water Neaps) & MLWN (Mean Low Water Neaps): the height of mean high water neaps is the average, throughout a year as defined above, of the heights of two successive high waters during those periods (approximately once a fortnight) when the range of the tide is least. The height of mean low water neaps is the average height obtained from the two successive low waters during the same periods:
MHWN: the average HEIGHT of the HIGH WATERS of NEAP TIDES above Chart Datum
MLWN: the average HEIGHT of the LOW WATERS of NEAP TIDES above Chart Datum
MHWS (Mean High Water Springs) & MLWS (Mean Low Water Springs): the height of mean high water springs is the average of the heights of two successive high waters during those periods of 24 hrs (approximately once a fortnight) when the range of the tide is greatest. The height of mean low water springs is the average height obtained by the two successive low waters during the same period:
MHWS: the average HEIGHT of the HIGH WATERS of SPRING TIDES above Chart Datum
MLWS: the average HEIGHT of all LOW WATERS of SPRING TIDES above Chart Datum
The values of MHWS, MHWN, MLWN and MLWS vary from year to year in a cycle of approximately 18.6 years. In general the levels are computed from at least a year's predictions and are adjusted for the long period variations to give values which are the average over the whole cycle. The values of Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT) and Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT) are determined by inspection over a span of years.
MSL (Mean Sea Level): is the average level of the sea surface over a long period, normally 19 years, or the average level which would exist in the absence of tides, i.e. the average HEIGHT of the surface of the SEA at a TIDE STATION for all stages of the TIDE over a 19 year period, usually determined from hourly height readings measured from a fixed predetermined reference level (Chart Datum)
Set: the direction toward which a tidal current flows
Slack or Slack Water: the state of a tidal current when its speed is near zero, prior to reversing direction. The term is also applied to the entire period of low speed prior to and after the turning of the current when it is too weak to be of any practical importance in navigation. Not to be confused with stand
Stand: the point when vertical movement stops at both high or low tide
Tidal current: horizontal movement of water caused by gravitational interaction between the sun, moon, and earth. Tidal currents are a part of the vertical rise and fall of the sea which we refer to as tide
"Sea-Fishing on the English Coast" (1891) Frederick George Aflalo at pages 55 & 56
Time and Tide
In all cases of sea-fishing, tide is the ruling power. It is of little use to decide on fishing early in the morning or late in the evening, until you have learnt the state of the tide … The two hours before and the hour after high-water are the best for fishing, the latter being known as "slack tide," owing to the water remaining almost stationary at high-water mark for some time before returning.
The rising tide is called the "flood", and it is during this flood that the fish are hungriest. Still, in places where the falling tide is not too strong for your leads, plenty of fish may be caught at all times from boats. Piers, however, are, as a rule, too shallow at low-water; but exceptionally long ones (e.g., Deal and Southend) are good at all times of the tide.
To the general rule that a rising tide is best for fishing, I have found an exception in all small fish, e.g,. smelts, pout, and chad. Perhaps they find it safer to wait till their enemies have gorged themselves throughout the flood.
Early morning and late evening are the best times for fishing, providing the tide suits; but for ground-fishing for bass, I believe midday to be the best time.
Fly-fishing for pollack and mullet may be practised from half-an-hour before sunset.
Night-fishing is almost a distinct sport; but it is usually too cold to angle, hand-lines being resorted to. Many fish change their locality during the night. Pollack, and even gurnards, are taken on the sand near a reef of rocks; and mackerel and mullet, that during the day remain within a few feet of the top, may be caught within a foot of the bottom.
"The Sea and the Rod" (1892) Deputy Surgeon-General Charles Thomas Paske & Frederick George Aflalo at page 23
Chapter I
On Sea Fishing in Particular
Time is of especial importance in sea-fishing, in the affairs of which there is a tide, which, "taken at the flood, leads on to fortune." The fish recede with the ebb, not, as many believe, on account of the diminution in depth - for there are but few species of shore-fish that cannot live in half a dozen feet of water - but in pursuit of the food that moves with the tide. The "flood" is consequently the best time for fishing, which may, however, be continued during slack-water, before the high tide has begun its backward course. Many small fish, it is true, feed best on a falling tide, presumably because if they ventured abroad during the "feeding-time" of their seniors, they would themselves come under the category of food - an unpleasant emergency !
"The Badminton Library: Modern Sea Fishing" (1895) John Bickerdyke at pages 14, 15, 16, 165 & 166
Introductory
The water in the sea flows for a certain number of hours in one direction; then comes almost to a standstill, and begins to flow for a certain number of hours in the opposite direction … Sailors say the tide is flowing, which is practically equivalent to saying the water is rising [1]. When it has risen to its full height the term flood tide or high water, is used. When the tide turns and the water begins to run in the opposite direction, it is said to be not flowing, but ebbing, and the period during which the water ebbs is termed the ebb tide. Just between the end of the flood and the beginning of the ebb, or, in other words, at the turn of the tide, the speed of the tidal current gradually falls off, or eases (in nautical language), until there is no perceptible current whatever. Then the water starts ebbing in the opposite direction, slowly at first, and quickening until it reaches its full speed, falling off or slackening again as we get to the end of the ebb. In many places the tidal current is so strong that it is impossible to let down a line and keep the lead on the bottom except during the hour or so immediately before and immediately after the turn of the tide - that is to say, when the tide is slack.
… Every fortnight we have almost the greatest variation in the rise of the water - that is to say, the highest water at the flood and the lowest water at the ebb: these are called spring tides (the term has nothing whatever to do with the spring of the year), and occur at the times of the new and full moon. The spring tide of the full moon, when the best fishing is usually obtained, is somewhat greater than the spring tide which occurs when the moon is new. Between the periods of full and new moon occur the neap tides. The tide in most places rises or flows for seven hours, then ebbs or falls for five hours; and it is not difficult to understand that if a given quantity of water has to rise twenty feet in seven hours, it will flow with much greater speed than the same quantity of water when it has only to rise fifteen feet in the same time. Therefore the currents of the spring tides are very much more rapid than those of the neap tides.
River fishermen are well aware that the incoming of fresh water caused by rain, or the rising of springs, or the melting of a glacier, as a rule brings the fish on the feed. Doubtless it stirs up their food, and, perhaps, also sharpens their appetite, as a good blow from a nor'-easter does ours. The increased current in the sea during spring tides may, therefore, account for the fact that the fish feed better then than at other times … At some places the tidal currents may be so strong during spring tides that it is almost impossible to fish at all except with drift lines near the surface … Even in the less strong currents of the neaps, the only fishing carried on is during the two hours immediately before and after the turn of the tide. Not only are the tidal currents overwhelmingly powerful, but they bring with them at times immense quantities of floating seaweed which load the lines and offer such resistance to the water that very heavy leads are lifted off the bottom … It is always desirable to use as light leads as possible, and as the tide is at one time not running at all and a few hours later may be racing four or five knots, the sea angler should provide himself with leads of different weights which he can change from time to time.
Now I propose to deal with the slightly lower branch of fishing near or on the bottom of the sea, as it may be carried on from rocks and piers, from flat sandy shores, and in harbours and estuaries. Generally speaking, fishing of this kind is most successful during spring tides. I have never been able to make up my mind whether the reason is that the increased current acts like a spate coming down a freshwater river, stirring up the food and setting all the fish a-feeding, besides reinvigorating them by the freshness of the water, as we are brisked up by a good blow from a north-east wind; or whether the powerful stream outside simply forces the fish to seek that shelter which they find in the slacker water close along the coast. Perhaps both reasons may be correct; but, whatever the cause, the fact remains that in many places the fishing is extremely indifferent from the shore except at the periods when the moon is either at its full or new.
[1] In some places - e.g. in the Downs - owing to the configuration of the bottom, trend of the coast, &c., curious tidal currents are formed, with the result that water continues to flow some time after it has begun to fall.
"Sea-Fishing from the Shore" (1940) A. R. Harris Cass M.B.E. at pages 71 to 74
Chapter VII
When to Fish
Now for the best time to fish. Undoubtedly when the tide is running in. I have compiled many records of my experiences with the sea-rod: date, weather, time of day, tide hour and height of tide. The readings show that while I have caught fish at all stages of the flowing tide, my best achievements have been at approximately half tide, and this irrespective of all other elements. Hence whether sport has been poor or variable, enthusiasm grips me after the tide has been making for a couple of hours. Of course there is always the prospect of catching a fish when the tide is running out, if your position is at the mouth of an estuary where the fish move in and out with the tide, but the deterrent is that, with an ebbing tide the water is continually receding from you, and you have to be constantly recasting.
Repeatedly I am asked if spring or neap tides offer the better facilities for shore angling. Experience has taught me that the question cannot be answered dogmatically, as so much depends on other circumstances, and what may apply in one case is negatived in another.
"Competition Sea Angling" (1970) Bruce McMillen at page 48
4. Methods
The best period of the tide
It is surprising to note that many anglers seem to be under the quite mistaken impression that fishing is productive only on the incoming tide and therefore they finish as soon as the ebb commences. When fishing in areas unfamiliar to me, I have often noted this, what is to me, strange attaitude. Local anglers have invariably told me that 'nobody troubles to fish the ebb, you will only catch fish as the tide comes in', or words to that effect. Despite this 'advice', and taking into account my general experience, I have continued to fish the ebb right down to low water and have found that the best fishing sometimes actually occurred during that period. This is a point well worth noting; the periods covering an hour or so before high water to an hour or so after as well as the corresponding period either side of low water can be most productive.
It is, of course, impossible to generalise for much depends upon local conditions but the above are my findings when related to the most favourable fishing periods of the tide.
"Sea Angling in Kent" (1973) Hugh Stoker at page 33
Tides
High Water: -2 hours 32 minutes H.W. London Bridge. Rise: 17 feet at Springs; 14½ feet at Neaps. Tidal Streams: In the open sea off Deal the tides run hard at times, and for the most part follow the general north to south trend of the coast, although in places the streams are deflected by the Goodwin Sands, and may then follow more closely the deep-water channels between or around the sandbanks.
However, this trend cannot be relied upon around H.W., because there are then certain areas where the tide sets strongly across the Goodwins, creating at the same time an upsurging mass of water which is liable to result in turbulent conditions.
The tidal streams are too complex to give full details here, but as a general guide it is worth noting that between the inner (west) side of the south-west Goodwin Buoy and Trinity Bay the flood tide (direction north north-east going) begins -2 hours local H.W. and attains a rate of 2½ knots at springs, and 1½ knots at neaps. The ebb (direction south south-west going) begins +4 hours local H.W. and attains a rate of 2¼ knots at springs and 1¼ knots at neaps. Elsewhere in the vicinity of the Goodwins one is liable to encounter tides with a springs rate of 3½ knots or more. The slackest tides, on the other hand, are to be found in the bay formed by the coast between North Deal and Ramsgate.
There are many variables that affect coastal erosion of which the main controlling factor is that of wave approach which set up onshore and alongshore currents. There are various secondary factors such as the Goodwin Sands and inshore currents but essentially the dominant wind direction over the year together with the orientation of the shore relative to this result in waves approaching the shore at an angle. Consequently, sediment is moved along the coast corresponding to wave direction.
In Kent the predominant direction of offshore wave approach is from the south-west. This is then refracted through the Straights of Dover creating onshore waves from the south-east causing a net movement of material to the north. However the most severe direction for storm activity is from the north-east which can cause occasional reversal of the general trend resulting in significant shingle movements from north to south.
High energy waves are able to transport larger amounts of sediment. With the Kent coast predominantly made up of shingle, high wave energy is required and is provided by the long fetch from the south-west and north-east.
Editor's Note: So, for the tidal streams inside the Goodwin Sands off Deal, the flood tidal stream (running north-east by north) starts about 2 hours before H.W. and ceases about 4 hours after H.W. The ebb runs from 4 hours after H.W. to 2 hours before the next H.W. The flood tide does not stop at H.W. because of the tides meeting in the North Sea. Although high tide has passed at Deal, the North Sea is still filling with water, hence the tide continuing to flow north. Conversely, the North Sea is still emptying out when the next high tide is approaching so the tidal streams are shifted by about 4 hours.
"The Bait Book" (1979) Ted Lamb at pages 131 & 132
24 Seasons, Weather and Tides
Tides
Bear in mind that tides are going to affect shore bait gathering as much as they will affect fishing; if you intend to gather bait first and then fish, it is best to arrive at your venue at the end of a falling tide so that you have plenty of time to collect sufficient bait. When the tide is up, there will be precious little to find in the way of bait.
All marks, shore or deep water, fish well or badly at particular states of the tide. It is not possible to generalize too greatly on this subject, since there is a vast range of sea fish species and not all of them conform to one set of rules. However, rising tides are more often good than bad, especially for shore fishing from beaches, rocks and piers and in harbours and estuaries. Here, in weed, sand, rock, mud and among stanchions and sea wall stones, there lies a vast number of bait species ready to emerge when the tide comes in, making a rich larder for the fish. The rising tide is followed by a slack period, during which species like conger eels and ling come out of their holes in deep-sea wrecks and rocks in search of food - action time for deep-sea fishing. On dropping tides, deep-sea fishing can be moderate to good, but shore fishing is sometimes poor - the receding water is a signal to leave shallow grounds to avoid stranding, and in estuaries the salt water starts to become too dilute for many species. At low tide there is a slack, corresponding to the high water slack. This is all right for deep-sea fishing, but poor for shore fishing because fish are disinterestedly waiting for the tide to turn and start to re-cover the bait grounds.
"Sea Angling: Kent to Cornwall" (1990) Mel Russ & Alan Yates at page 11
Tides are generally strong in the English Channel and flow west to east during the flood and east to west during the ebb. The south coast offers better shore and boat fishing during the stronger flood tide, although around Deal and Thanet the shoreline responds better on the ebb flow. Along the north coast the shoreline is much shallower and tides are not so strong until you reach the Thames estuary, where the ebb flow is particularly powerful. Tides washing the North Kent coast are reversed, with the flood going east to west and the ebb west to east.
By far the most productive weather conditions along the shore follow a westerly or south-westerly gale, although the North Kent coast responds to a north-westerly on occasions. South-west is the predominant wind direction, and whilst this suits the shore-based angler, when the wind is blowing hard, it restricts boat movement from ports like Dover, Folkestone and Dungeness. A light north-westerly wind favours the boat angler from these venues.
This page was last updated on
Friday 31 January 2014
The Tides
Tidal Abbreviations
High Water SpringHWS
High Water NeapHWN
Low Water SpringLWS
Low Water NeapLWN
British Summer TimeBST
Greenwich Mean TimeGMT
Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the combined effects of the rotation of the earth and the gravitational forces exerted by the moon and the sun. At full and new moon the pull is strongest, and thus we get the highest and lowest tides of the month (Springs) and at the first and third (last) quarters of the moon the pull is weakest producing the least difference between high and low tides (Neaps).
The tides occur within a period of approximately 12½ hours and are influenced by the shape of the near-shore sea bed. The time of H.W. increases by approximately 30 minutes every twelve hours. A tide flows for approximately six hours and 10 minutes and then ebbs for about 6 hours 10 minutes, but does not ebb and flow over the ground at a uniform speed. For Deal the average high water (H.W.) is 20 feet 1 inch (6.12 metres) and the average low water (L.W.) is 4 feet 7½ inches (1.41 metres), giving an average tidal range of 15 feet 5½ inches (4.71 metres, rounded up to 4.8 metres - 15ft 6in) which will rise (or fall) in the usual 1 2 3 3 2 1 ("rule of twelfths") pattern as follows:
HourRise\Fall (m)Aggregate (m)
1st hour1 ft 3¾ in (0.4)1 ft 3¾ in (0.4)
2nd hour2 ft 7½ in (0.8)3 ft 11¼ in (1.2)
3rd hour3 ft 11¼ in (1.2)7 ft 10½ in (2.4)
4th hour3 ft 11¼ in (1.2)11 ft 9¾ in (3.6)
5th hour2 ft 7½ in (0.8)14 ft 5¼ in (4.4)
6th hour1 ft 3¾ in (0.4)15ft 9in (4.
The tidal direction ("set") of the current is a true direction toward which the current is flowing. Accordingly, a current that flows from north to south is called a southerly current and has a set of 180°. This is just the opposite terminology of wind direction which is always referenced regarding the wind's origin e.g. a wind blowing from north to south is called a north wind or northerly.
The strength of ebb and flood of a tidal current is its speed, normally measured in knots and is called "drift". A tidal current is said to flood when it flows in from the sea, resulting in higher tidal stages. Conversely, a tidal current ebbs when the flow is seaward and the water level falls.
Note that "flowing tide", "flood tide" and "rising tide" are synonymous terms for the general expression "tide is coming in"; conversely, an ebb tide or "falling tide" is one that is "going out". For the most part, the ebb is usually stronger and lasts longer than the flood.
As these currents reverse direction, there are periods of no flow, called slack, or slack water. The time of slack water is not the same as the time of stand, which is when the rise or fall of the tidal height has stopped. Also the time of H.W. or L.W. will not necessarily correspond with the change of tidal current direction.
Tides are published in many places, be sure to check if the time of the tide is BST or GMT. You might also have to add time or deduct time. There is generally a table so you can adjust the local time of your tide against the published time. Have a good look at your local tide tables and check you are reading them correctly.
To increase your chances of catching from the sea you need to be there when the fish are hunting on that mark. Tide is a huge factor in this.
Generally larger tides induce more fish in to feed, because stronger currents scour food from the sea bed and higher tides flood beaches and rock dragging food sources into the sea. Also higher tides are often when other sea creatures mate and give birth hence a lot of planktonic food stuffs in the water column. For example mysis shrimp are found in greater numbers when there is a full moon i.e. at spring tide.
As a rule of thumb, the last hour of a rising tide and the first two hours down are the prime fishing times. This said, some marks fish best at low water, or just on the flood so you will need to try and see what fishes best.
Another factor is daylight. The bigger predators generally hunt closer to the shore as it gets dark, so a spring tide in the evening or early morning would be you best option for a first attempt at a new mark.
Tidal Effects
As the tide flows to cover more and more of the beach, the water covered area becomes the sea bed and many small forms of marine life emerge from refuge. Many species of fish are aware of this behaviour and follow the tide in to seek and devour anything tasty that may appear.
Larger tides induce more fish inshore to feed because
stronger currents scour food from the sea bed and higher tides flood beaches and rocks dragging food items into the sea; and
marine organisms often coordinate reproduction and synchronise spawning and hatching during higher tides resulting in larger numbers of molluscs, benthos, nekton and plankton in the water column.
The best fishing occurs when the main run of flood and ebb tide is rushing past - feeding then drops away towards slack water. When the tide runs fast, bottom and sight feeding fish are more eager to seize and eat food before it passes out of reach.
Generally speaking, sight feeders react aggressively to something that looks and moves like prey and are unlikely to be attracted to odd-shaped lumps of bait and may even be wary of large non-food objects such as lead weights.
Tidal Streams: South Sand Head
Table showing the approximate direction and rate of tidal streams at South Sand Head, close to south-west Goodwin Buoy (51° 09' 0N and 1° 27' 7E), being the closest of five marine chart datum points to Deal (speeds in knots)
Hours before H.W. Hours after H.W.
654321H.W.123456
Direction212213216228Slack032038039034031Slack203210
Springs2.22.21.91.3Slack1.22.02.32.21.5Slack1.01.8
Neaps1.21.21.10.8Slack0.71.21.31.20.8Slack0.61.0
Accordingly, the prevailing tidal directions for Deal are:
northeast by north between H.W. -2 hours and H.W. +4 hours (with an 8° range between 031° and 039° - average 35°, median 34°)
southwest by south between H.W. +4 hours and H.W. -2 hours (with a 25° range between 203° and 228° - average 214°, median 213°)
Tidal Streams: The Downs
Tidal Streams: The streams in the fairway of the English channel, off the northern coast of France, and off the southern coast of England, have, up to the present, been called "east-going" and "west-going". Off the coast between South Foreland and North Foreland, in the Downs and round the Goodwin Sands, the Channel east-going stream is more nearly north-going, and the Channel west-going stream is more nearly south-going; the designations of the streams have been changed accordingly. This alteration is specially required because the north- and south-going streams of the Downs meet with and separate from the east- and west-going streams of the Thames estuary off the coast between North Foreland and Foreness.
The streams run northward and southward through the Downs, usually in about the direction of the Channel, but the times at which they begin to run become appreciably later from south to north. At a position 5.4 miles 082° from South Foreland lighthouse, south-westward of South Sand Head, the southern extremity of Goodwin Sands, the north-going stream, spring rate 2.3 knots, neap rate 1.3 knots, mean direction 035°, begins -0200 Dover; the south-going stream, spring rate 2.2 knots, neap rate 1.2 knots, mean direction 214°, begins +0400 Dover. The north-going stream when strongest runs in a direction 039°, just clear westward of South Sand Head (see "Caution" below).
At a position 159°, 3.5 miles from the entrance to Ramsgate harbour, the north-going stream, spring rate 3.2 knots, neap rate 1.7 knots, mean direction 020°, begins -0135 Dover; the south-going stream, spring rate 2.8 knots, neap rate 1.5 knots, mean direction 197°, begins +0435 Dover (Lat. 51° 08' N., Long. 1° 19' E.).
At a position on the north-western side of Gull Stream about one mile west-north-westward of N. Goodwin light-buoy, the north-going stream, spring rate 2.8 knots, neap rate 1.6 knots, mean direction 030°, begins -0120 Dover; the south-going stream, spring rate 2.6 knots, neap rate 1.4 knots, mean direction 215°, begins +0440 Dover.
At a position about 3.2 miles 141° from North Foreland lighthouse, the north-going stream, spring rate 2.5 knots, neap rate 1.3 knots, mean direction 019°, begins -0120 Dover; the south-going stream, spring rate 2.2 knots, neap rate 1.3 knots, mean direction 200°, begins +0440 Dover. The stream at this position is more or less rotatory; the north-going stream begins in a direction about 340°, when strong runs in directions between about 005° and 025°, and ends in a direction about 060°; the south-going stream begins in a direction about 135°, when strong runs in directions between about 190° and 205°, and ends in a direction about 230°.
At a position, about 2½ miles northward of Goodwin Knoll, the north-going stream, which is slightly rotatory, begins, in a direction about 357°, -0120 Dover, runs when strong (over 2 knots at springs) in directions between 010° and 045° attaining its greatest rate, 3.2 knots at springs 1.8 knots at neaps, in a direction 023°, +0100 Dover, and ends, in a direction about 060°. The south-going stream, which is more nearly rectilinear, begins, in a direction about 180°, +0500 Dover, attains its greatest rate, 3.1 knots at springs 1.7 knots at neaps, in a direction 208°, -0400 Dover, and ends in a direction about 230°.
The streams in the neighbourhood of the Downs and Goodwin sands are more or less rotatory in a clockwise direction but the degree of rotation varies in different parts; at all positions, however, though at the beginning of the stream, either north-going or south-going, its direction may be considerably to the left, and at its end considerably to the right, of its mean direction, the direction changes quickly near the beginning and end of the stream, which, when at all strong, always runs within a few degrees of its mean direction. As a rough general rule it may be assumed that, except off the northern side of Goodwin Knoll and the sand westward of it, half an hour after the stream begins it is running in a direction about 5° to the left of its mean direction, and that this direction changes gradually to the right till, half an hour before the stream ends (or before the stream in the opposite direction begins), when its direction is about 5° to the right of its mean direction.
Northward of Goodwin Knoll and the sand westward of it, the streams are more rotatory, and about one hour after the stream in either direction begins its direction is about 10° to the left, and about one hour before it ends about 10° to the right, of its mean direction.
Between South and North Forelands the streams run strongly along the coast between South Foreland and Deal; the north-going stream begins about -0150 Dover, the south-going stream begins about +0415 Dover (Lat. 51° 08' N., Long. 1° 19' E.).
In the bay formed by the coast between Deal and Ramsgate the streams are weak. Definite information regarding the streams in the River Stour is not available; the in-going (flood) stream probably begins about -0450 Dover and runs at first in the channel through the flats; later, as the flats cover, it runs inwards towards Shellness from all directions. The ebb stream probably begins about +0020 Dover and runs at first across the flats towards Ramsgate; later, as the flats dry, it runs in the channel.
Off Ramsgate pier heads the north-going stream, direction north-eastward, begins about -0210 Dover; the south-going stream, direction south-westward, begins about +0400 Dover; spring rate in both directions about 3 knots.
Between Ramsgate and North Foreland the north-going stream begins about -0140 Dover, the south-going stream begins about +0420 Dover; the streams are strong off the southern part of this coast, but lose strength and become irregular as North Foreland is approached (see below).
Caution: At certain positions, and at certain times, the streams set strongly towards and across the Goodwin sands, as follows:
Southward of South Sand Head, between about -0100 and +0300 Dover, the north-going stream sets strongly towards and across the southern part of the sands in the direction of its length; this set is specially dangerous, for it occurs near high water when the sands are covered.
Observations have not been obtained between South Sand Head and the Fork, or in Trinity Bay. It is, however, probable that the north-going stream sets north-eastward into Trinity Bay and through Kellett Gut, and north-north-eastward into the channel which runs towards the drying sand westward of Goodwin Knoll. This set, if it occurs, is dangerous, for it occurs near high water when the sands are covered.
In the southern part of Gull Stream the streams run about in the direction of the channel.
About 2½ miles northward of Goodwin Sands the south-going stream sets at first towards Goodwin Knoll, but changes direction quickly and when strongest sets towards the western part of the drying sand westward of Goodwin Knoll; the strongest set occurs about one hour before low water, when, at springs, the sands are beginning to dry and probably deflect the stream. In order to ascertain the set, the streams have been observed at two positions northward of the sands, in 51° 18.3' N., 1° 34.4' E., and in 51° 18.2' N. 1° 31.8' E.
At the first of these positions the north-going stream, spring rate 2.4 knots, neap rate 1.4 knots, begins -0135 Dover and runs in directions which change gradually from about 340° to about 015°, the greatest rate being attained in a direction 002°. The south-going stream, spring rate 2.1 knots, neap rate 1.1 knots, begins -0400 Dover, in a south-easterly direction, but changes quickly, runs when strong in directions from 180° to 200°, and ends in a south-westerly direction. At this position, therefore, the south-going stream when strong runs directly towards the sands, but this set occurs near low water.
At the second position the north-going stream, spring rate 2.3 knots, neap rate 1.3 knots, begins, in a northerly direction, -0120 Dover; the direction changes quickly and, when strong, the stream runs in a direction about 045°, and ends in an easterly direction. The south-going stream, spring rate 2.3 knots, neap rate 1.3 knots, begins, in a south-south-easterly direction, +0440 Dover; the direction changes quickly, and when strong the stream runs in directions 220° to 230°, and ends in a west-south-westerly direction. At this position, though the south-going stream runs towards the sand at first, when strong it runs in about the direction of the Gull stream.
Tide Glossary
Chart Datum: is the plane below which all depths are published on a navigational chart. It is also the plane to which all tidal heights are referred, so by adding the tidal height to the charted depth, the true depth of water is determined. By international agreement, Chart Datum is defined as a level so low that the tide will not frequently fall below it. In the United Kingdom, this level is normally approximately the level of Lowest Astronomical Tide. Chart Datum is shown on charts as the zero metre contour
Current: horizontal movement of water
Drift: the speed of a tidal current, which is normally expressed in knots and measured to the nearest 10th of a knot. River currents are measured in mph
Ebb: tidal current moving away from land or down a tidal stream
Flood: tidal current moving toward land or up a tidal stream
HAT (Highest Astronomical Tide) & LAT (Lowest Astronomical Tide): the highest and lowest levels respectively which can be predicted to occur under average meteorological conditions and under any combination of astronomical conditions. These levels will not be reached every year. HAT and LAT are not the extreme levels which can be reached as storm surges and other meteorological conditions may cause considerably higher and lower levels to occur
MHWN (Mean High Water Neaps) & MLWN (Mean Low Water Neaps): the height of mean high water neaps is the average, throughout a year as defined above, of the heights of two successive high waters during those periods (approximately once a fortnight) when the range of the tide is least. The height of mean low water neaps is the average height obtained from the two successive low waters during the same periods:
MHWN: the average HEIGHT of the HIGH WATERS of NEAP TIDES above Chart Datum
MLWN: the average HEIGHT of the LOW WATERS of NEAP TIDES above Chart Datum
MHWS (Mean High Water Springs) & MLWS (Mean Low Water Springs): the height of mean high water springs is the average of the heights of two successive high waters during those periods of 24 hrs (approximately once a fortnight) when the range of the tide is greatest. The height of mean low water springs is the average height obtained by the two successive low waters during the same period:
MHWS: the average HEIGHT of the HIGH WATERS of SPRING TIDES above Chart Datum
MLWS: the average HEIGHT of all LOW WATERS of SPRING TIDES above Chart Datum
The values of MHWS, MHWN, MLWN and MLWS vary from year to year in a cycle of approximately 18.6 years. In general the levels are computed from at least a year's predictions and are adjusted for the long period variations to give values which are the average over the whole cycle. The values of Lowest Astronomical Tide (LAT) and Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT) are determined by inspection over a span of years.
MSL (Mean Sea Level): is the average level of the sea surface over a long period, normally 19 years, or the average level which would exist in the absence of tides, i.e. the average HEIGHT of the surface of the SEA at a TIDE STATION for all stages of the TIDE over a 19 year period, usually determined from hourly height readings measured from a fixed predetermined reference level (Chart Datum)
Set: the direction toward which a tidal current flows
Slack or Slack Water: the state of a tidal current when its speed is near zero, prior to reversing direction. The term is also applied to the entire period of low speed prior to and after the turning of the current when it is too weak to be of any practical importance in navigation. Not to be confused with stand
Stand: the point when vertical movement stops at both high or low tide
Tidal current: horizontal movement of water caused by gravitational interaction between the sun, moon, and earth. Tidal currents are a part of the vertical rise and fall of the sea which we refer to as tide
"Sea-Fishing on the English Coast" (1891) Frederick George Aflalo at pages 55 & 56
Time and Tide
In all cases of sea-fishing, tide is the ruling power. It is of little use to decide on fishing early in the morning or late in the evening, until you have learnt the state of the tide … The two hours before and the hour after high-water are the best for fishing, the latter being known as "slack tide," owing to the water remaining almost stationary at high-water mark for some time before returning.
The rising tide is called the "flood", and it is during this flood that the fish are hungriest. Still, in places where the falling tide is not too strong for your leads, plenty of fish may be caught at all times from boats. Piers, however, are, as a rule, too shallow at low-water; but exceptionally long ones (e.g., Deal and Southend) are good at all times of the tide.
To the general rule that a rising tide is best for fishing, I have found an exception in all small fish, e.g,. smelts, pout, and chad. Perhaps they find it safer to wait till their enemies have gorged themselves throughout the flood.
Early morning and late evening are the best times for fishing, providing the tide suits; but for ground-fishing for bass, I believe midday to be the best time.
Fly-fishing for pollack and mullet may be practised from half-an-hour before sunset.
Night-fishing is almost a distinct sport; but it is usually too cold to angle, hand-lines being resorted to. Many fish change their locality during the night. Pollack, and even gurnards, are taken on the sand near a reef of rocks; and mackerel and mullet, that during the day remain within a few feet of the top, may be caught within a foot of the bottom.
"The Sea and the Rod" (1892) Deputy Surgeon-General Charles Thomas Paske & Frederick George Aflalo at page 23
Chapter I
On Sea Fishing in Particular
Time is of especial importance in sea-fishing, in the affairs of which there is a tide, which, "taken at the flood, leads on to fortune." The fish recede with the ebb, not, as many believe, on account of the diminution in depth - for there are but few species of shore-fish that cannot live in half a dozen feet of water - but in pursuit of the food that moves with the tide. The "flood" is consequently the best time for fishing, which may, however, be continued during slack-water, before the high tide has begun its backward course. Many small fish, it is true, feed best on a falling tide, presumably because if they ventured abroad during the "feeding-time" of their seniors, they would themselves come under the category of food - an unpleasant emergency !
"The Badminton Library: Modern Sea Fishing" (1895) John Bickerdyke at pages 14, 15, 16, 165 & 166
Introductory
The water in the sea flows for a certain number of hours in one direction; then comes almost to a standstill, and begins to flow for a certain number of hours in the opposite direction … Sailors say the tide is flowing, which is practically equivalent to saying the water is rising [1]. When it has risen to its full height the term flood tide or high water, is used. When the tide turns and the water begins to run in the opposite direction, it is said to be not flowing, but ebbing, and the period during which the water ebbs is termed the ebb tide. Just between the end of the flood and the beginning of the ebb, or, in other words, at the turn of the tide, the speed of the tidal current gradually falls off, or eases (in nautical language), until there is no perceptible current whatever. Then the water starts ebbing in the opposite direction, slowly at first, and quickening until it reaches its full speed, falling off or slackening again as we get to the end of the ebb. In many places the tidal current is so strong that it is impossible to let down a line and keep the lead on the bottom except during the hour or so immediately before and immediately after the turn of the tide - that is to say, when the tide is slack.
… Every fortnight we have almost the greatest variation in the rise of the water - that is to say, the highest water at the flood and the lowest water at the ebb: these are called spring tides (the term has nothing whatever to do with the spring of the year), and occur at the times of the new and full moon. The spring tide of the full moon, when the best fishing is usually obtained, is somewhat greater than the spring tide which occurs when the moon is new. Between the periods of full and new moon occur the neap tides. The tide in most places rises or flows for seven hours, then ebbs or falls for five hours; and it is not difficult to understand that if a given quantity of water has to rise twenty feet in seven hours, it will flow with much greater speed than the same quantity of water when it has only to rise fifteen feet in the same time. Therefore the currents of the spring tides are very much more rapid than those of the neap tides.
River fishermen are well aware that the incoming of fresh water caused by rain, or the rising of springs, or the melting of a glacier, as a rule brings the fish on the feed. Doubtless it stirs up their food, and, perhaps, also sharpens their appetite, as a good blow from a nor'-easter does ours. The increased current in the sea during spring tides may, therefore, account for the fact that the fish feed better then than at other times … At some places the tidal currents may be so strong during spring tides that it is almost impossible to fish at all except with drift lines near the surface … Even in the less strong currents of the neaps, the only fishing carried on is during the two hours immediately before and after the turn of the tide. Not only are the tidal currents overwhelmingly powerful, but they bring with them at times immense quantities of floating seaweed which load the lines and offer such resistance to the water that very heavy leads are lifted off the bottom … It is always desirable to use as light leads as possible, and as the tide is at one time not running at all and a few hours later may be racing four or five knots, the sea angler should provide himself with leads of different weights which he can change from time to time.
Now I propose to deal with the slightly lower branch of fishing near or on the bottom of the sea, as it may be carried on from rocks and piers, from flat sandy shores, and in harbours and estuaries. Generally speaking, fishing of this kind is most successful during spring tides. I have never been able to make up my mind whether the reason is that the increased current acts like a spate coming down a freshwater river, stirring up the food and setting all the fish a-feeding, besides reinvigorating them by the freshness of the water, as we are brisked up by a good blow from a north-east wind; or whether the powerful stream outside simply forces the fish to seek that shelter which they find in the slacker water close along the coast. Perhaps both reasons may be correct; but, whatever the cause, the fact remains that in many places the fishing is extremely indifferent from the shore except at the periods when the moon is either at its full or new.
[1] In some places - e.g. in the Downs - owing to the configuration of the bottom, trend of the coast, &c., curious tidal currents are formed, with the result that water continues to flow some time after it has begun to fall.
"Sea-Fishing from the Shore" (1940) A. R. Harris Cass M.B.E. at pages 71 to 74
Chapter VII
When to Fish
Now for the best time to fish. Undoubtedly when the tide is running in. I have compiled many records of my experiences with the sea-rod: date, weather, time of day, tide hour and height of tide. The readings show that while I have caught fish at all stages of the flowing tide, my best achievements have been at approximately half tide, and this irrespective of all other elements. Hence whether sport has been poor or variable, enthusiasm grips me after the tide has been making for a couple of hours. Of course there is always the prospect of catching a fish when the tide is running out, if your position is at the mouth of an estuary where the fish move in and out with the tide, but the deterrent is that, with an ebbing tide the water is continually receding from you, and you have to be constantly recasting.
Repeatedly I am asked if spring or neap tides offer the better facilities for shore angling. Experience has taught me that the question cannot be answered dogmatically, as so much depends on other circumstances, and what may apply in one case is negatived in another.
"Competition Sea Angling" (1970) Bruce McMillen at page 48
4. Methods
The best period of the tide
It is surprising to note that many anglers seem to be under the quite mistaken impression that fishing is productive only on the incoming tide and therefore they finish as soon as the ebb commences. When fishing in areas unfamiliar to me, I have often noted this, what is to me, strange attaitude. Local anglers have invariably told me that 'nobody troubles to fish the ebb, you will only catch fish as the tide comes in', or words to that effect. Despite this 'advice', and taking into account my general experience, I have continued to fish the ebb right down to low water and have found that the best fishing sometimes actually occurred during that period. This is a point well worth noting; the periods covering an hour or so before high water to an hour or so after as well as the corresponding period either side of low water can be most productive.
It is, of course, impossible to generalise for much depends upon local conditions but the above are my findings when related to the most favourable fishing periods of the tide.
"Sea Angling in Kent" (1973) Hugh Stoker at page 33
Tides
High Water: -2 hours 32 minutes H.W. London Bridge. Rise: 17 feet at Springs; 14½ feet at Neaps. Tidal Streams: In the open sea off Deal the tides run hard at times, and for the most part follow the general north to south trend of the coast, although in places the streams are deflected by the Goodwin Sands, and may then follow more closely the deep-water channels between or around the sandbanks.
However, this trend cannot be relied upon around H.W., because there are then certain areas where the tide sets strongly across the Goodwins, creating at the same time an upsurging mass of water which is liable to result in turbulent conditions.
The tidal streams are too complex to give full details here, but as a general guide it is worth noting that between the inner (west) side of the south-west Goodwin Buoy and Trinity Bay the flood tide (direction north north-east going) begins -2 hours local H.W. and attains a rate of 2½ knots at springs, and 1½ knots at neaps. The ebb (direction south south-west going) begins +4 hours local H.W. and attains a rate of 2¼ knots at springs and 1¼ knots at neaps. Elsewhere in the vicinity of the Goodwins one is liable to encounter tides with a springs rate of 3½ knots or more. The slackest tides, on the other hand, are to be found in the bay formed by the coast between North Deal and Ramsgate.
There are many variables that affect coastal erosion of which the main controlling factor is that of wave approach which set up onshore and alongshore currents. There are various secondary factors such as the Goodwin Sands and inshore currents but essentially the dominant wind direction over the year together with the orientation of the shore relative to this result in waves approaching the shore at an angle. Consequently, sediment is moved along the coast corresponding to wave direction.
In Kent the predominant direction of offshore wave approach is from the south-west. This is then refracted through the Straights of Dover creating onshore waves from the south-east causing a net movement of material to the north. However the most severe direction for storm activity is from the north-east which can cause occasional reversal of the general trend resulting in significant shingle movements from north to south.
High energy waves are able to transport larger amounts of sediment. With the Kent coast predominantly made up of shingle, high wave energy is required and is provided by the long fetch from the south-west and north-east.
Editor's Note: So, for the tidal streams inside the Goodwin Sands off Deal, the flood tidal stream (running north-east by north) starts about 2 hours before H.W. and ceases about 4 hours after H.W. The ebb runs from 4 hours after H.W. to 2 hours before the next H.W. The flood tide does not stop at H.W. because of the tides meeting in the North Sea. Although high tide has passed at Deal, the North Sea is still filling with water, hence the tide continuing to flow north. Conversely, the North Sea is still emptying out when the next high tide is approaching so the tidal streams are shifted by about 4 hours.
"The Bait Book" (1979) Ted Lamb at pages 131 & 132
24 Seasons, Weather and Tides
Tides
Bear in mind that tides are going to affect shore bait gathering as much as they will affect fishing; if you intend to gather bait first and then fish, it is best to arrive at your venue at the end of a falling tide so that you have plenty of time to collect sufficient bait. When the tide is up, there will be precious little to find in the way of bait.
All marks, shore or deep water, fish well or badly at particular states of the tide. It is not possible to generalize too greatly on this subject, since there is a vast range of sea fish species and not all of them conform to one set of rules. However, rising tides are more often good than bad, especially for shore fishing from beaches, rocks and piers and in harbours and estuaries. Here, in weed, sand, rock, mud and among stanchions and sea wall stones, there lies a vast number of bait species ready to emerge when the tide comes in, making a rich larder for the fish. The rising tide is followed by a slack period, during which species like conger eels and ling come out of their holes in deep-sea wrecks and rocks in search of food - action time for deep-sea fishing. On dropping tides, deep-sea fishing can be moderate to good, but shore fishing is sometimes poor - the receding water is a signal to leave shallow grounds to avoid stranding, and in estuaries the salt water starts to become too dilute for many species. At low tide there is a slack, corresponding to the high water slack. This is all right for deep-sea fishing, but poor for shore fishing because fish are disinterestedly waiting for the tide to turn and start to re-cover the bait grounds.
"Sea Angling: Kent to Cornwall" (1990) Mel Russ & Alan Yates at page 11
Tides are generally strong in the English Channel and flow west to east during the flood and east to west during the ebb. The south coast offers better shore and boat fishing during the stronger flood tide, although around Deal and Thanet the shoreline responds better on the ebb flow. Along the north coast the shoreline is much shallower and tides are not so strong until you reach the Thames estuary, where the ebb flow is particularly powerful. Tides washing the North Kent coast are reversed, with the flood going east to west and the ebb west to east.
By far the most productive weather conditions along the shore follow a westerly or south-westerly gale, although the North Kent coast responds to a north-westerly on occasions. South-west is the predominant wind direction, and whilst this suits the shore-based angler, when the wind is blowing hard, it restricts boat movement from ports like Dover, Folkestone and Dungeness. A light north-westerly wind favours the boat angler from these venues.
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