What is the best tide to fish in Georgetown SC?

This is a very popular question and one that has more than a dozen correct answers.

Typically in Georgetown, the falling tide will result in better fishing. This is because most fish are feeding in moving water. The 5 rivers making their way to the Atlantic by flowing through Georgetown County usually give the falling tide a little longer falling current. These rivers also fight against the incoming tide slowing its current.

The falling water level also flushes a lot of bait out of the marsh grass and into more open water. This exposed food will get predators more active, increasing an angler's chance at catching a feeding fish. The falling water will also narrow the channels allowing there to be more fish in less water.

Best tide to catch Redfish

Typically the first 2-3 hours of the falling tide are the best times to target redfish between 16-30” when the current really starts to move to start the falling tide. Bull Reds or Channel Bass, Redfish over 30”, can be caught on rising or falling tides, but most anglers prefer falling tides for redfish of all sizes.

Best tide to catch Spotted Seatrout

The good news about Spotted Seatrout is they feed similarly on a rising and falling tide. They're looking for current, bait, and structure So any time you see a school of small menhaden getting pushed over a sandbar or up against a ledge, you better start casting!

Best tide to catch Flounder

Flounder are the definition of ambush predators which means they can be caught just as easily on an incoming tide as they can on a falling tide. All you’re looking for is current. Anglers can use the cost-benefit analysis for Flounder. Where can they easily hide from the current to save energy, while also being close to passing bait?

Best tide to catch Tarpon

Tarpon in Georgetown are typically caught on falling tides. This isn’t to say anglers don’t send plenty of silver into the air on incoming tides, but larger mullet get flushed out of the marsh grass and into channels on falling water. Georgetown’s falling tides are typically stronger than its incoming as well, causing the larger menhaden and other bait to get swept away easier allowing for the Silver King to be the dominant swimmer.

Best tide to fish

Any angler new to Georgetown should focus on the falling tides. The tide is a little stronger and the bait is more exposed often causing a little stronger feed on the fall. But don’t give up on incoming tides. Plenty of fish can be caught then too.