Working the tide

Bass pro Mike Lanier of Winnabow emphasizes that the rivers around Wilmington are tidal, and that understanding this is key for fishing success.

Lanier said the Cape Fear is under tidal influence to Lock and Dam No. 1 upriver of Riegelwood, the Northeast Cape Fear is tidal for about 50 miles upriver to Wallace, and the Black River is tidal to just below its headwaters south of Clinton.

Tide flow positions baitfish, which is why it is important to understand tides. In a nutshell, the rising tide fills creeks and overflows into flood plains, allowing baitfish into these areas, where they can hide from larger predators. When the tide begins falling, the baitfish have to abandon these areas and can be swept into a larger creek or river.

Bass gather around the mouths of small creeks, because the falling tide sweeps baitfish out of the creeks and forms a buffet line for predators. Knowledgeable fishermen know this and plan trips to use the falling tide to their advantage.

There is more to tidal flow than simply rising or falling. The tide is not at the same stage at all places at the same time. Water has to flow upstream or downstream, and the farther upriver from the ocean, the later the tide will be. Tide tables include conversion charts, but most only go inland as far as Wilmington.

A rule of thumb is that for every 8 miles upriver, the same stage of the tide is an hour later. This isn’t exact, but it is close enough to use planning a fishing trip. A fisherman can begin at a spot and fish the same stage of the tide for several hours while moving upriver.