Fishing Tide Charts

Real-time forecasts. Currently displaying official NOAA data for US Coastal Locations. Global tide stations coming soon.

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🌊 Tide & Species Guide

Select a species to see behavior in U.S. & Canadian waters.

🎣 Lure Logic: Match the Water

Don't just pick a color. Pick a lure that works with the current tide phase.

☁️ Local Weather Conditions

Check barometric pressure and wind before heading out.

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The Tidal bulge follows the Moon's gravitational pull.

The Science: How Moon Phases Create Tides

You cannot master the tides without understanding the moon. The gravitational pull of the moon is the primary force moving the world's oceans. When you combine this with the sun's gravity, you get the Solunar Cycle.

🌕 Spring Tides (The "Big" Tides)

Occur during the Full Moon and New Moon. The Sun, Moon, and Earth align in a straight line. Their combined gravity pulls the water harder, resulting in very high High Tides and very low Low Tides. This moves the most water and often triggers the best feeding.

🌗 Neap Tides (The "Weak" Tides)

Occur during the Quarter Moons. The Sun and Moon are at a 90° angle to each other, cancelling out some gravitational pull. Water movement is minimal. Fish often hold deeper or relate tight to structure during these phases.

Common Questions About Tides & Fishing

Is it better to fish incoming or outgoing tide?
Generally, moving water is best. However, the "Outgoing Tide" is often preferred in estuaries and inlets because it flushes baitfish (crabs, shrimp) out of the shallow marshes and into the mouths of waiting predators.
What is the "Solunar Theory"?
The Solunar Theory, developed by John Alden Knight in 1926, posits that fish and game are most active during specific solar and lunar periods. The peak activity usually aligns with the Moon's transit overhead (Major Period) or underfoot (Minor Period), coinciding with tidal shifts.
How do tides affect water clarity?
Incoming tides usually bring clear, salty ocean water into coastal areas. Outgoing tides pull "dirty" or tannic water from swamps and rivers out towards the ocean. If you are sight fishing, the top of the incoming tide offers the best visibility.

Want to see the current moon phase?

Check Today's Moon Phase ➜

Data Source: NOAA Tides & Currents. Predictions are for recreational use only.