Mark's Tips

Water Depth

Finding the right water depth for the species you seek ranks as a critical factor. If somebody else is catching fish, you don't need to know the precise spot. The first question to ask centers on water depth. If you know how deep that person was fishing, you can find a similar area and catch fish. Experts will tell you that if they know the depth, they can locate fish. For some reason, fish frequently prefer a specific depth at a given time.

Some species migrate daily. Striped bass, for example, may feed closer to shore early and late in the day, easing off into deeper water as the sun gets higher. Certain bait species follow the same pattern, luring predators with them.

On the inshore grounds, tides affect water depth dramatically. Fish are often creatures of habit, preferring a particular area on a specific phase of the tide. I have fished with several experts who were skilled at following the tide. They fished an area for only a few minutes and then moved to a new spot, even if you were catching fish. Over the years, they figured out the basic movement of fish in relation to the tide and positioned themselves to take advantage of it.

Pay attention to water depth and you'll be pleased with the results.

Tips Index