San Diego & SoCal Fishing Forums

Does anyone ever have any success at low to ultra low tide? 0ft to -0.5 ft? I can't ever seem to catch a fish from the surf at these tides. Should I just avoid and wait for the tide to come in or am I missing something? Last time I was out at ultra low I noticed the crab beds were under 6 inches to a foot of water instead of where the water meets the sand. Does this have anything to do with it? I fish Mission, PB and Del Mar if that makes any difference. Would love any pointers. thanks.

sdfriday wrote: Thu Jul 10, 2025 9:20 am Does anyone ever have any success at low to ultra low tide? 0ft to -0.5 ft? I can't ever seem to catch a fish from the surf at these tides. Should I just avoid and wait for the tide to come in or am I missing something? Last time I was out at ultra low I noticed the crab beds were under 6 inches to a foot of water instead of where the water meets the sand. Does this have anything to do with it? I fish Mission, PB and Del Mar if that makes any difference. Would love any pointers. thanks.

I seem to only have real struggles at peak of tides when the grass gets bad. Might just be because I'm impatient and haven't figured out how to navigate it yet, and constantly pulling it off my hook is tiresome.

That said, I've been fishing mostly with Gulp sandworms which apparently are 'perch crack' so that might by I usually come away with something even if its just one tiny little perch. Personally, I prefer the calm lower tides because half the reason I enjoy this so much is being on a quiet beach while the rest of the city is still waking up. If I'm not getting bites, I'm perfectly content to sit in my beach chair with some coffee and just chill

I am with you when it comes to enjoying the beach and ocean on those morning trips. I am not a "morning person", but I am if it's part of a Surf fishing trip.

One of the first good tips I got from an angler is that Del Mar fishes well at +3 feet. The tip wasn't particularly valuable as a guarantee to be spot on, but it did get me thinking about that issue. There are undoubtedly other windows of opportunity at Del Mar and likely at many different beaches.

I recently read what I will post below. It could be part of the help you are asking for, SDFriday.

Without saying, I know much about all this yet, tides, "tidal current", structure, and food supply formulas can pan out at any tide level by coastal location. Add biological drivers for the fish, and good boots on the ground feedback helps!
https://www.americanseafishing.com/post ... LJszO6txOu

Thanks Everydog! That was a great article! I had no idea of the rule of 12ths but I'll put it into practice. You've inspired me to give it a shot tomorrow morning.

sdfriday wrote: Fri Jul 11, 2025 11:54 am Thanks Everydog! That was a great article! I had no idea of the rule of 12ths but I'll put it into practice. You've inspired me to give it a shot tomorrow morning.

You are welcome. I was also impressed. Good luck tomorrow.