I think it depends on the location and your technique (mooching or trolling). Some spots, especially around points, fish better on a bigger tide swing, such as Point no Point. I usually won't venture up there unless there is at least an 8' swing from high to low. The bite generally occurs when the water slows or begins to speed up - generally an hour before or after the actual peak or low. An old-timer also told me that, as a general rule, the east side of the Sound fishes better on an ebb and the west side better on the flood. There are exceptions of course, but I have also found this to be true.