Im a newcomer to the site and am really enjoying reading about everyones experiences chasing GT's.
Im off to Stanage on Feb 20th for a couple of weeks. We are planning to stay at Stanage and also stay out on the boat around some of the islands and down Island Head Creek way.
I can find plenty of info on popping tackle and where to find fish. There is not so much on how tides and time of day effect how GT's bite. Which tides are generally best for poppering? For most fishing the turn of the tide fires things up, but as Gts seem to like current, is it better to target them mid-tide when the water is moving more? Is there any difference in the bite on a rising or falling tide? Does the time of day matter?
What else should one consider to ensure the best chance of success.
Cheers, Grant
Hi Grant,
Welcome to the site.
Like with most fishing GT popping is an art, not a science. One factor that may contribute in one area, may not apply in another - and one technique used may not be as effective as the next between locations. However, there are some best practises that can be followed.
Please note, I have not fished the Stanage / Shoalwater area - there are many members here that will be able to give you some more specific insights (hope they aren't too cagey).
I would have to agree that most of my fishing successes revolve around the middle segments of the flood and ebb stages of the tide (incoming and outgoing) where current/water flow can combine to create the strongest water forces. As you may know, GTs thrive in these conditions, and can sit behind leading edges/eddies to ambush bait fish.
Notwithstanding that sometimes the change of tide can be a factor, however, my GT fishing success is usually well past the first quarter of the tide after the change.
Moons are often relied on in GT fishing, where the New and Full moon are major factors for larger tidal variances, combining to create stronger water flows and currents. You should also note that these great water forces can work in against, in terms of creating an ideal hunting environment - where the forces may be moving in the same direction or opposing each other - it is all very subjective in my books.
From experience, I have experienced more strikes and captures in the afternoon. The middle of the day tends to put fish deeper and less inclined to strike artificials.
Slight to rougher conditions tend to be more productive and conducive to GT activity whereas calm conditions are generally very unproductive. Not a hard and fast rule, however, this tends to be a pattern. Enough wind to cause ripple/chop and overcast coverage make up this observation.
