Tides how important?

[Vectorfisher]

I have been fishing for the striped ones pretty steadily for a couple years now and have to admit I am a bit frustrated with it . For instance went out this afternoon B-Bay won't say exactly where and threw every plug I own, from trolling bucktails with wire line to casting those Wal Mart rubber fish and just couldnt hook up. The tide was going out and I know that is not usually favorable, however the fishfinder was marking fish in about every spot I hit, I spent 3 or so hours with nothing to show for it Should I be fishing sunrise and sunset or should I be paying more attention to the tides? Just trying to break the curse of the wee and no fish

[quick decision]

If you know the fish are their try slowing everything down to a snails pace. If you think you cant present your offering any slower, slow down some more. Look for moving water. Does not matter if its going in or out. Pay attention to wind direcrtion. Wind will blow bait around. Toward the end of the day look for places that are out of the way. I try to find places that are away from boat traffic. Good luck!