For coastal anglers, daily ebb and flow govern the when and where of fish movement. The fluctuations are predictable and, for the most part, fairly well balanced, except for the seasonal extremes known as a “negative low” — an outgoing tide that falls below mean (average) low. These tides occur during winter’s new and full moons, when the earth feels the strongest lunar gravitational pull. When a hard north wind hastens the tide’s departure, blows it out even farther and holds back the incoming cycle, we see the most severe negative lows completely draining flats and creating one of the most incredible fishing opportunities.
With seagrass laid flat against damp mud, vast acreage that once held sustainable depths becomes completely impassible. What remains is the random refuge of deeper lagoons; essentially, tide-worn trenches that hold sustainable depths through even the lowest of tides. Fish instinctively know to leave the shallow flats when lunar and meteorological forces signal a forthcoming negative low. The ones on flats close to boating channels will drop into these ample lanes, but those tucked in the backs of bays and coves funnel into those deeper lagoons.
[adguru zoneid=”3067″]
Standard negative lows driven solely by winter tide schedules may hold fish captive for several hours, but when those big north winds enter the picture, the draining effect can last most of the day. The fish can generally survive where they settle, but it doesn’t take long for them to eat all the available forage. This means any negative low tide refuge you find will likely hold a bunch of hungry fish eager to pounce on practically any bait you throw.
[adguru zoneid=”3067″]
