September Flood Tides
September 1, 2026 not only marks the start of hunting season, but maybe one of the most important social events on the calendar. Dove opener is the official kickoff of fall, and one of the most important social events of the year. Typically, it's the highest day for hunter participation in the US. Now, with dove opener falling on a Tuesday instead of the traditional Saturday before Labor Day, we'll see which one draws a bigger crowd this year.
You might be wondering why a tide and weather app is writing about doves. This same time frame is the opener for marsh hens. That's right, this is a love letter to the mud chicken. If you haven't experienced the cast and blast in the Southeast, you're missing out. And you guessed it, it's all about the tide.
Flood tides (in non-technical terms) are when you chase tailing redfish in the flooded marsh. They're also when you can pole through the marsh looking for Virginia, clapper, and king rails. This is a tide I dream about all year, and it's here!
After a successful hunt, I'd recommend a cast net to grab a couple of shrimp on the outgoing near the creek mouth. Throw carefully around the oyster rocks and don't tear up a good net. It's worth it, because a perlo (Charleston's version of a gumbo) combines the best the fall marsh has to offer: rice, shrimp, and (you guessed it) marsh hen. I normally defer to Hank Shaw when it comes to wild game recipes. He's got a great perlo recipe; just add your braised bird.
– Greg Barnes