Understanding Tides & Feeding Times
High & Low Tides 🌊
The ocean “breathes” in and out through the day.
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High Tide = peak water level.
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Low Tide = lowest water level before it rises again.
Around Miami you’ll usually see two highs and two lows every 24 hours (semi-diurnal tides). Fish activity often picks up about an hour before and after each tide change because the water is moving and bait is on the move.
Major & Minor Feeding Times 🎣
These bite windows are driven by the sun and moon.
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Major Feeding: strongest windows when the moon is overhead or underfoot.
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Minor Feeding: shorter bumps when the moon is rising or setting.
Match these windows with a tide swing for your best odds.
Moon Phases 🌕
Full Moon (and New Moon) — What Changes?
On Full Moon (and also New Moon) the combined sun–moon pull is stronger. In practice that often means:
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Majors: tend to be longer and more active.
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Minors: often stronger than usual.
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Tides: can have a bit more range, which keeps water moving and can help the bite.
Tip: If your day lines up with a Major during a tide change on a Full or New Moon, that’s a prime window to be on your spot.
Quick Tips
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Pick the nearest station (North/Mid/Offshore) for more accurate tide times.
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Plan your trip around movement: aim to fish 60–90 min around each High/Low and the Major/Minor windows.
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Glassy mornings? Check the Minor around moonrise; it can light up an otherwise slow start.