The Role of Tides in Fishing for Yellow Fin Whiting
Yellow Fin Whiting an intriguing species of fish has a fascinating relationship with the tides. Their lives particularly their feeding habits revolve around these aquatic oscillations.
Feeding Grounds and Tidal Influence
For Yellow Fin Whiting the sandflat habitats are a crucial arena of life. The ebb and flow of the tides grant them access to feeding grounds and the high tide washes food to them.
Evolution of the 24-hour Hunger Feeding Cycle
Their feeding behavior not surprisingly mirrors the tide cycles primarily feeding during the highest tide of the day. Over time, Yellow Fin Whiting have evolved a 24-hour digestive cycle to match resulting in a 24-hour hunger and feeding routine aligned with the most substantial tides.
Tide Cycles and Feeding Behavior
The phrase "follow the tide height cycle" sums up this natural phenomenon perfectly. By the end of February, the evening tides swell larger than the morning ones signalling a shift in the feeding habits of Yellow Fin Whiting.
Seasonal Behavior of Yellow Fin Whiting
Understanding their seasonality is key to appreciating Yellow Fin Whiting's existence fully.
October to February: Morning Tides and the Early Season
During the early parts of the Yellow Fin Whiting lure season spanning from October to February the morning tides provide the best fishing opportunities.
Impact of Samphire Beds and Sandflats
The large morning tides in this season drive many Yellow Fin Whiting into extensive areas of samphire beds and sandflats. The bigger the tides the more fish migrate to these locations.
Fishing During Outgoing Tides
In the early season fishing during the runoff of the biggest morning tides can be fruitful. This strategy leverages the movement of the fish back to deeper water in the outgoing tide.
From March: Evening Tides and the Late Season
From March onwards fishing becomes more productive during the larger incoming evening tides.
Smaller Tides and Restricted Feeding Spaces
However, it's not always about the biggest tides. Sometimes the smallest evening tides provide the most action. This is when fish congregate in small areas leading to increased competition and a heated feeding frenzy.
Fish Behavior and Tide Sizes
The different tide heights work better for the outgoing and incoming tides making for an interesting dynamic to consider when fishing.
Tidal Situations and Successful Lure Choices
Choosing the right lure based on the tidal situation can enhance the fishing experience significantly.
The Role of Juvenile Prawns and Haswell Mud Crabs in Early Season
During the early season's big morning tides, juvenile prawns and Haswell mud crabs become readily available making surface lures highly successful. Impact of Subsurface Lures in Late SeasonIn the smaller evening tides of the late season, subsurface lures see more success. With fish restricted to inshore sandflats a subsurface lure can effectively mimic food. Small crab lures work well. Small soft plastics also work well, like the Reprobaits Seabug and Bottom Bug.
Understand What Influences Your Target Fish Species
Understanding the feeding habits tide cycles and seasonal variations of Yellow Fin Whiting can significantly enhance your fishing experience and success. Remember, it's not just about the size of the tide but the timing and the choice of lure that often make the difference.
