Understanding river systems can be challenging enough. Add the influences of tides, and fully comprehending that same river can seem almost impossible.
      A major obstacle is the fact that bass conditioned to feed on a given phase of the tide aren't active for very long periods on tidal rivers. By the time you establish a pattern, the tide may have switched, and bass have moved or become inactive. Determining the window of opportunity and devising the best strategy for catching those fish can be extremely frustrating.
      One angler who has solved the tidewater puzzle is Woo Daves. Daves has made a career of tactical tidal fishing. He claims his "run-and-gun" approach helps keep him in productive waters as levels rise and fall.
      "I try to fish the outgoing tide as long as possible," he states. "Ninety percent of the bass I catch on tidal rivers hit on the falling

tide!" Though these figures seem a bit extreme, Daves offers an explanation: "Falling water levels concentrate bait and put bass in predictable locations," he confides. "Rising water, on the other hand, spreads fish out, making them hard to find."       As the water level drops, it also reveals underwater features bass use as feeding stations. During the slack-water periods, Daves tries to become familiar with the structures hidden at higher tides.
      Logs, snags, rockpiles, even undercut banks can be ideal locations for bass feeding in current. More obvious structures such as docks, duck blinds, trees, and lily pads can also be productive.
      In fact, Daves credits shallow, visible cover as the main reason tidal rivers are so rewarding to fish. "If it looks like it could hold a fish, it probably does," he advises.
      The common ingredient that makes any

riverine structure productive is current. With the flow comes the forage upon which river fish feed.
      For Daves, success also depends on the right lure selection. Using a variety of lures is important, and Daves recommends exhausting all the possibilities before giving up on a likely piece of structure. Tidal bass can sometimes be selective.
      Small crankbaits, spinnerbaits, worms, and jigs constitute the basics. He throws them with a quiver of rods, ranging from spinning (for accuracy) to pitching (for power). Lure and tackle selection will depend on depth, cover, and current velocity.
      Generally, tidal cover can be approached from close quarters with a short cast. Current usually positions fish tight to the cover, and moving tidewater usually has some color to conceal the angler.