What to know about tides and times

For many of us, heading out to wet a line often comes down to time availability rather than researching the best times to go to maximise our chances of catching something.

The sun, moon, tides and weather all influence fish activity. Follow these tips to increase your chances of getting a bite or two this Easter and on your next well-planned fishing trip thereafter...

SUN AND MOON
Fish tend to be most active (and feed more) one hour before and after sunrise, sunset, moonrise and moonset. Fishing during any of these 90 minute windows is likely to see an increase in your catch rate (provided there are fish present).

Fish also tend to feed more during a full moon when tides are higher than average. Coincide your fishing with a new or full moon and you should do even better!

A number of websites provide sun and moon rising times. Try these two: http://sunrisesunset.willyweather.com.au and http://moonphases.willyweather.com.au.

TIDES
One hour before and after high and low tides also provides optimum times to fish. Check the Bureau of Meteorology website for tide times at http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/tides/

WEATHER
Fish are sensitive to passing fronts and pressure changes. Fish are less likely to feed as frequently during high pressure as they will when the pressure is lower.

The Bureau of Meteorology is a great source of information for planning safe and productive fishing and boating trips. You can see the pressure maps at http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/charts/4day_col.shtml. Low pressure is also a cause of rain and dangerous weather

This timely Easter fishing tip has been provide by Fisheries Queensland, see www.fisheries.qld.gov.au.
Opening photo by David Lockwood.