Strategies for High Water Events (Storms, Flood Tides)
- By: Pat Ogletree
- on
- Found In: Fishing Secrets, Fishing Tips, Weekly Newsletter: 9-15-24
Fishing during periods of more than normal high water can be challenging to say the least. Not only do fish move from their normal areas, but the source of the high water can create different reactions.
In this video, we will go over the two main types of high water situations and I’ll give you some tips on how to find the catchable fish during these times.
High Water Tactics
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Key Takeaways
When the high water is due to high winds and/or spring tides…
- Redfish tend to push as far back as they can and feed in areas they normally can’t reach. If you can’t get to those areas, try vertical structure or thick grass lines that can keep them from moving back.
- Trout usually hold in similar depths and structures but will often move to find cleaner water.
- Flounder also like clean water, but still tend to hang around the same creek mouths and drop-offs even if the water is deeper than normal.
- Snook like to push further up under the mangroves, so try targeting docks and seawalls that prevent them from going any further back. As the water recedes, post up on choke points to get into some fantastic snook action.
When high water is due to rainfall that pushes a lot of freshwater into the system…
- Move to the outsides of passes and inlets where the salinity is usually higher.
- Saltwater is denser and sink below freshwater, so try fishing deeper areas.
- Rainwater tends to dirty things up and fish will hold tighter to structure during those times. Cast as close as you can to the structure and be sure to use some scent to help them find your lure.
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Thanks again for all your helpful tips 👍🇺🇸
I never thought about when you get a lot of fresh water fishing deeper I will give that a shot.In this area (Chesapeake) i usually fish as far down the bay looking for the most salinity. I had never thought about fishing deeper, i will give that a shot. Thanks for a very informative video.
Jam Packed with detailed info. Great job Pat.
Glad to help, Jan!
thanks
Thank You!!
Thanks Matt! I was always under the impression that fishing high tide was nit a good time to fish but your tips prove that myth to be wrong! Thanks again for these tips!
High tide gives the fish more water to roam around but if you know where to look, you can catch fish in high water! Thanks for watching!
Great video, as always. Thanks Sir
Appreciate that David!!
Thanks, I took away much good info from your post.
Glad you found it helpful!
Thanks so much for the great info!!
Glad to do it! Thanks for watching!
As always thanks Pat! I have to watch your reports twice sometimes because of the amount of information. Saltstrong coaches are worth way more than the cost of membership!!!
That means a lot to us! Thank you for all your support Walter!
Very well done great information Pat. Thank you
Appreciate that Tom! Hope it helps find you some more fish!