When Do Fish Bite? Time of Day and Tides

The same spot can fish very differently depending on when you go, because fish feed more at certain times.

Dawn and dusk

Many fish feed actively when the light changes at dawn and dusk. Anglers call this feeding time. If bites are slow at midday, take a break and focus again at sunset.

Fish that bite at night

Catfish, rockfish and hairtail are among the fish that become active at night. Crucian carp often bite well at night in summer too. For night fishing, an LED float and a headlamp are essential.

The sea has tides

Pulled by the moon and sun, the sea comes in (rising tide) and goes out (falling tide) roughly twice a day. Moving water carries food, so fish get busier. That's why sea anglers like the moment the water starts moving.

Around the full and new moon the tidal range is largest (spring tides); in between it is smallest (neap tides). A tide table lists these by date. Too much current sweeps your rig away, too little and fish move less, so pick tides that suit your spot and target.

Seasons matter too

Cod and yellowtail are best in winter, and pond smelt are caught only in winter. Many species have closed seasons during spawning, so check before you go.