Confused about Ovulation

Hi Girls

Do I have to wait until my chart detects ovulation before im fertile or is taking ovulation tests until it saids im ovulating is good enough

You're generally considered 'fertile' for about 3 or 4 days before OV would be detected on your chart. OPKs never worked for me consistently so I learnt to read other signs of impending ovulation such as CM and an increase in sex-drive - but luckily I am also a fairly regular girl OVing pretty much the same day each month so after quite some time charting I just know when to 'get jiggy wit it' !!