I have attempted to summarise ‘ how to read the beach ‘ which will hopefully give you some good starting points;
Full to High Water
PIC A; is a good starting point and can be used as guide. At low tide the beach is at it’s most defined with holes, gutters and banks being really easy to see. This in my opinion is the best time to pick spots, if when you want to fish nearer the high tide when you can ID spots at low water that will fill up with the tide. When fishing the low tide and run out I look for deeper water such as holes, rips and gutters. When fishing half to rising tide I prefer to look for a bank between 2 entrances as the fish will feed on the banks for worms and pipis. Normally a high bank will indicate a gutter in the water or flat will indicate a bank. Basically all these areas are a type of structure and at different phases of the tide are better for fish to feed in.
Bottom of the tide
PIC B: shows the beach at low tide, this is when the beach is at it’s most defined. Holes, gutters and banks jump right out at you. When picking spots to fish try to find areas that the fish can gain entry to the intertidal zone at half to full tide.
Low to Half tide
PIC C: This hole allows fish to feed at all time of the tidal phase, these are spots I target at low to half tide.
Full tide
PIC D: A deep beach, the formation here is one long gutter (channel), all looks the same to me, the sand will be steep into a deep drop off. This is more tailor, salmon and jewfish water. Again I would be looking for the rips, banks and something that gives the gutter formation. White water indicates shallower water, you need the white water as it gives the fish cover.
Low water
PIC E: Just two blokes fishing… looks like tailor men on low tide into a gutter. The spit in this pic , is a sand spit that will be covered at high water. Fish will then move onto the banks to feed.
