Best Time of Day for Saltwater Fishing

Figuring out what lures to bring along on your saltwater fishing trip is just one of many details you get to look forward to when planning your excursion. Many anglers already know where they want to fish at, how long they’ll go out for, and what kind of catches they hope to bring home. Knowing what time of day is best to begin your adventure is important, and can vary depending on the tide, time frame you want to go back to shore, and even the habits of your quarry. 

Tides Determine Saltwater Fishing Time

The fluctuation of the tides occurs throughout the day and can be critical for determining the best fishing times and locations. You don’t want to fish during a slack tide because the water is still and doesn’t move. Focus your fishing efforts during an incoming tide or areas that have plenty of water movement because smaller fish and crustaceans will feed and attract larger predatory fish. Strong incoming waves also move these fish toward land, which makes them more accessible to anglers. 

If you’re unsure when and how the tide changes, local bait shops and online resources usually offer a chart with the times to expect these water movements. 

Lunar Phases Affect Saltwater Fishing

Moon phases affect the behavior of fish and their feeding patterns along with tides themselves. With the added light of a full moon shining on the water, fish have an easier time feeding as things get illuminated more. This can affect their usual feeding habits for a day or two, so going fishing during a new moon is a great choice. 

Also, the moon directly affects the pull of gravity during a full phase, which makes tides even stronger when pulling in different fish toward land. 

Watch Your Barometer

Weather fronts that cause air temperatures to warm or cool have a profound effect on saltwater fish and their feeding habits. Your best opportunity to fish is right before these changes take place. You will see the barometric pressure drop and hopefully have some cloud cover as well. Once this front passes, the bright skies and calm weather will cause fish to readjust to their surroundings and lose their appetite for a short time.

Seasonal Migration Patterns

Just like many land mammals, fish have preferred environments for mating and feeding. The current season has a significant impact on that. Many migratory fish rely on water temperatures to stay within a certain range or they migrate to other areas. Take the time to research the game you want to catch and see what local fishing reports have to say so you can judge when these fish are in your area.

Book Your Destin Saltwater Fishing Charter Today

If you really want to know the best times to go out on a saltwater fishing trip, booking with a seasoned fishing charter provides invaluable insight and an incredible experience. Here at Boggy Bayou Guide Service, we possess an intimate knowledge of fish habits and ocean conditions that affect turnout. We know where to take you and the times of day that yield the catches of your favorite fish. 

Plan the Destin fishing charter of your lifetime with Boggy Bayou for an exhilarating saltwater angling experience. We are a premier charter company with state-of-the-art sonar and other necessary equipment on board so your private or group charter adventure will bring memories for years to come. Contact us today at 850-499-6644 for your next Destin deep sea fishing charter.