Nip Tides?

Fishing has been tough the last two days. Never heard of the term nip tides, but little tide change can't be good. Just a flatlander trying to learn. 4 days left, then back to ice fishing. Don't want to leave!!! Go Fish!!!

I think you mean "neap" tides, although it is pronounced "nip".

From one flatlander to another, I really have no idea how one effects fishing around the Gulf or Pier. I'll be out on the ice this weekend most likely...lol!

For the most part it kills the fishing. With the little to no change in tides, there is current. In warmer months, fish can still be caught but it is a very noticeable difference. Right now you probably wouldn't know the difference considering the lack of fish being caught right now.

NEAP tide is an acronym for Near Even As Possible.
It refers to the period which occurs approximately every two weeks when the tidal variation (difference from low to high) is minimal.
You can see those periods predicted on the tide calendar @ http://www.outdooralabama.com/images...20Calendar.pdf

But keep in mind those are only predictions based on astronomical calculations and averages of historical tide levels.
Daily tidal variation is much affected by air pressure and wind speed, direction & duration so use the predictions only as a guide.
I check the following link often to better understand how current weather is affecting the water level (in red) relative to the predicted height (in blue)...
Composite Plot

Hope this helps!
http://tidesonline.nos.noaa.gov/temp/8735180.png

BTW, you should have increasing incoming tides in the late afternoons over the remainder of your stay.
IF you have a pattern when you have caught fish under those conditions (two weeks ago?) I'd suggest to try it again.
Of course the winds and weather may be different...
http://weather.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/fmtb.../gm/gmz650.txt

Good luck!

Thanks again to everyone...

Neap tides: the times when I don't even bother getting the boat in the water inshore fishing. And every couple of summers, they seem to line up perfectly with the weekend.

Went this morning to the Perdido pass with, live shrimp. Reminded me of ice fishing when nothing is biting. It's been a really tough month of January!!! Going to Ft. Morgan this afternoon. Go Fish!!! Having the time of my life. Might take the wife to Mobile tomorrow. High of 43!!