Fishing tidal rivers?

[Shellback]

I know many of you fellows fish tidal rivers, so I'm looking for suggestions how to get started at this time of year. I'll be fishing a few rivers at the very head of the Chesapeake Bay, For all practical purposes, they are fresh water but are effected by the tide. Channel depths might be 20 feet, lots of piers and docks. Water temps are in the mid 40's at this time. Is one tide better than the other, incoming or out going? Thanks!

[fishead001]

Every river is different but usually outgoing tide is better. Look for spots out of the main current. For example, downstream of docks or boathouse's. Bigger the better the current break. Steep sloped banks with wood cover. Rock covered shorelines in a marina or pocket away from wind and lots of current. Feeder creeks from the main river with a deep creek channel. Deep could be 6ft or 16ft. It varies from river to river. Look for bait on the depthfinder with fish under the bait. Usually crappie but could be catfish,etc. Look at google maps of the area you plan on fishing. Look closely for channels and rocks or sandbars to help find areas to fish. Hope this helps. Remember if u find some fish biting. Dont leave fish to find fish. They sometimes bite on certain tides so just wait on the next tide and they might turn back on.

[Shellback]

Thanks, that's a starting point!

[ekim22]

WOOD!

If you manage to find a tree down with any depth in the water (5-6+ feet of water), sneak up on it from the downstream side and toss small jigs toward it....just let them fall slowly and come to a stop. If no bite after 20-30 seconds, reel in and toss again. Try to get CLOSE to the cover on the cast and keep a finger on the line during the fall. Occassionally you'll also pick up a catfish or nice bass this way too. I brought a legitimate 20-30lbs class catfish to the surface on a 1/32 jig one time lol

VA's tidal creeks tend to have marshes on most sides but in the sharp bends they end to have cliffs/trees/sandy bottom. That's where the crappie will be.

[jim.b]

Always fish your baits with the current. Makes it look natural.

[Shellback]

Thanks for the replies!