Moons, tides, and fishing success
Discover how moon phases and tides can transform your fishing game in this episode of The Deep Dive podcast, as Vinesh Soogreem chats with expert angler, Dave Irving about the secrets behind timing, tides, and technique.
Fishing enthusiasts and avid anglers alike know that understanding the tides and moon phases can significantly influence fishing success.
In the latest episode of The Deep Dive podcast, Vinesh Soogreem discusses with fishing expert Dave Irving the complex relationship between moons, tides, and fishing. Here are the key insights from their conversation to help you make the most of your next fishing adventure.
The Impact of Moons on Tides
In each lunar cycle, we witness two spring tides and two neap tides. Spring tides occur during the full moon and new moon, significantly affecting water levels due to the gravitational force exerted by the moon on Earth’s waters. Dave highlights that during spring tides, we'll experience higher high tides and lower low tides, making certain areas particularly challenging to fish.
Maximising Fishing Advantage with Moons and Tides
Dave explains that choosing the right moon phase will depend on what you are fishing for and where. For instance, full and new moons offer increased tidal movement, which can be ideal when targeting large fish like sharks. Conversely, neap tides, occurring during the quarter moon, experience less tidal change and can sometimes be more beneficial when fishing in calmer conditions, such as certain points and rocky areas.
Understanding Rip Currents and Riptides
Rip currents and riptides play a critical role in surf fishing. Dave describes rip currents as water channels that occur when waves push water towards the shore, causing it to recede through specific channels back into the ocean. Recognising these patterns can help anglers position themselves strategically to attract fish, using the currents to distribute the scent and bait where it has the most impact.
Tides Throughout the Fishing Day
The level of the tide when you fish is crucial. According to Dave, fishing on a rising tide can be beneficial, especially when targeting species that feed during twilight hours in more profound waters. Conversely, a falling tide may present opportunities to fish nearer to shorelines, the ebb encouraging fish to explore different depths and structures.
To dive deeper into how these natural rhythms can enhance your fishing knowledge and skills, listen to the full episode of The Deep Dive at the top of the page or directly below.
Do you have an angling Q&A?
Vinesh Soogreem is excited to bring this new series to life—and he wants you to get involved! Comment or email him with what's on your mind, your fishing questions, or hot topics you'd love the team to dive into next!
About Vinesh Soogreem
Vinesh Soogreem is a legend in the South African fishing media scene. With over two decades under his belt, he's not just an angler who's explored the KZN waters extensively, but also a passionate communicator who's shared his knowledge through books, magazines, and now podcasts and social media.
Vinesh lives by the motto "Fish for the future", reflecting his dedication to both the sport and conservation.
Vinesh's authority on KZN fishing is unmatched. Actively involved in the community since the '90s, he's competed at club and social levels, covered major angling competitions, and earned the trust of the media during the Sardine Run. He currently serves as the National Media Liaison for the South African Surf Casting Association, solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the South African fishing scene.