The angle of the cables don't always tell the story. I usually look at land. If I'm standing still (while trolling), then I figure I'm going against the tide. If I'm clipping along and seeing trees houses go by, then I'm going with the tide. Yes, the GPS will tell you that too. I usually shutt the engines off and will check which way I'm being pulled before I even put my gear in the water.

Also, in Central Sound the outgo is generally going North and the incoming is generally south