Beginner Question: Time of day vs Tide?

[jackal228]

Hello. I have been on this site viewing posts for a few months.

Last weekend I went to Red Bank NJ for the first time. It was a lot of fun.

High tide last weekend was about 10am.  We got there about 9am and had some success up until about 1pm

This Saturday high tide is at 4pm.  With that being said, is it still better to get there in the early morning hours around sunrise even though it will be low tide (at 10:32am)? or do I wait til high tide later in the afternoon?

I read that the best time is 2 or 3 hours before and after high tide. but that would put me in the range of 2pm-6pm

[crabnrich]

I have the best luck 2 - 3 hours before hide tide. Once the tide stops moving so do the crabs it seems.

[Chef Lar]

Hey Jackal,
      When the tide is moving, either in or out, high or low, seems to be best. When there is a slack tide, no movement or at least very little, is when the crabs seem to shut down. Early mornings can be good especially this time of year to warm things up a little, but a moving tide will generally work well. Good luck if you go and let us know how you make out.
Chef Lar

[jackal228]

so based on the tide 1-4pm would be the best time:

Also, even though the low tide is going out from 6-10am it is still considered a good time since it is early morning?

[crabnrich]

early mornings are good - that is when all the commercials are out running trotlines - I'm sure they wouldn't bother if the crabs weren't biting. It is even better if the tide happens to be moving at the same time.

[captaincrab55]

early mornings are good - that is when all the commercials are out running trotlines - I'm sure they wouldn't bother if the crabs weren't biting. It is even better if the tide happens to be moving at the same time.

That's when DNR allows coms to crab, no evenings....   

[CLAWLESS]

For me this year it seems like in the morning crabs run good till 9:00AM ish, drops off from there no matter what the tide is doing. If I go in the late morning or afternoon I try to start 2 to 3 hours before high tide. Haven't done very good on out going tides.  

[CrabmanC27C]

 I like to think the crabs are always swimming, :)Just my 2cents

[CLAWLESS]

I like to think the crabs are always swimming, :)Just my 2cents

Ya, but they are not always hungry