Hey Mike Q,
Maybe you should do a bit more research for your article. A 'flood tide' has nothing to do with the height of the tide. It refers to a rising tide. You need only consult Webster or Eldridge Tide and Pilot Chart for verification of this fact. Most endeavors establish their own jargon which allow participants to easily convey messages to other devotees. So I guess if your going to fish you learn the jargon. If you don't understand you ask the person speaking for a clarification. If your playing hockey a 'deke' is quite different than a 'deke' when your duck hunting.