Readers often ask why they are not catching fish like others they see around bait camps or read about in the Reel Report and Sunday, Vince Cavarretta of Omega Bay sent a note addressing that topic.

Cavarretta and his wife recently bought a boat and have been fishing Highland Bayou, Jones Lake and parts of West Bay and have not been satisfied with their results. 

He asked: What is the best time to fish? High tide, low tide? Are the feeding charts I see online accurate, worth looking at? What’s your thought on the barometric pressure as far as being a good indicator to fish? When I look at the high/low charts, what exactly am I looking for other than the time? How does the tide movement come into play? 

Vince, of all of the factors you mention, tidal movement is, in my opinion, the most important factor in catching fish. Both high and low tide can be good and dictates where you fish. Generally speaking, fishing the beach front is best around high tide. Again, tide movement is the key whether it is outgoing or incoming. Low tide is my least favorite time to fish; however, if you fish the area where the fish retreat, you likely will run into some action.

When you mention feeding charts, I assume you are referring to periods shown as excellent to poor on charts like the Wells Fishing Forecast. Personally, I do not rely on those charts; however, many anglers swear by them. Used in conjunction with tide charts, they are a good supplement.

Barometric pressure changes are useful tools in planning a trip, especially during the fall and winter.
When you look at a tide chart showing the levels of the highs and lows, that is valuable information. The difference between the two tide levels in feet above and below mean sea level tells you how strong the tide will be and the stronger the tide flow, the better the fishing.

Look for at least a foot difference for the best chances of good fishing.