Generally the stronger the current, the more the possibility of concentration and disorientation of baitfish. Thus the increased opportunity to catch the larger fish who feed on the baitfish. Tides can cause problems for the fly fisher. During spring tides, the water will reach higher up on the beach essentially cleansing it and carrying seaweed and other debris into the surf zone and then further seaward. A storm or strong period of onshore winds could produce the same cleansing effect on a beach.
Tides are especially important for beach fishing.
Their effects will vary depending on the character of the beach, especially its slope, the tidal range, and weather and sea conditions such as wave height and direction of the wind. Beach characteristics will be the subject of another article. The gentler the slope of the beach or the greater the tidal range, the larger the part of the beach that is exposed and then covered by the tide. Some structures or favorable areas are only reachable at low tide. A rising tide will increase water depth and frequently carry in bait and larger fish from offshore.