“Fishing Factors #1: The moon”
Understanding Moon Phases for Better Catches
For centuries, anglers have relied on various methods and strategies to improve their chances of a successful day on the water. While factors like weather, water temperature, and the type of bait used are undoubtedly essential, another celestial factor that often comes into play is the moon. Fishing by the moon’s phases has been a time-tested technique, and many believe it can significantly impact your fishing success. In this article, we’ll delve into the relationship between moon phases and fishing to help you understand how you can use this natural phenomenon to your advantage. Note that talking about moon phases, does not mean that we talk about night fishing, since moon phase plays critical role also in daytime fishing.
Understanding Moon Phases
The moon goes through a series of phases as it orbits Earth, transitioning from new moon to full moon and back again. These phases are classified into four primary stages: new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter. In between, there are waxing and waning crescents. Each phase has a different effect on tides, which in turn can influence fish behavior.
- New Moon: During a new moon, the moon is positioned between the Earth and the sun, making it invisible from our planet. At this time, the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun work together, causing strong tidal currents known as “spring tides.” Fish are often more active during these periods, especially in saltwater, making it an excellent time for fishing.
- First Quarter: This phase occurs when the moon is one-quarter of the way through its orbit. During the first quarter moon, you can expect moderate tidal movement, which can still be beneficial for fishing, especially in freshwater.
- Full Moon: A full moon happens when the moon is on the opposite side of Earth from the sun. This configuration results in another set of spring tides, with strong tidal currents. However, fishing during a full moon can be more challenging, as fish may feed more at night when the moon is bright. As a result, daytime fishing during a full moon may be less productive.
- Last Quarter: The last quarter moon is also associated with moderate tidal movement. This phase, like the first quarter, can provide good fishing opportunities.
How Moon Phases Affect Fish Behaviour
While the relationship between moon phases and fishing success is not an exact science, many anglers swear by its influence on fish activity. Here’s how the moon phases can impact fish behavior:
- Feeding Times: During periods of strong tidal movement (new and full moons), fish tend to be more active and feed more aggressively. However, fish may become less active during slack tides, which occur when the tidal currents are weakest.
- Night Fishing: Fish are often more active at night during a full moon due to increased visibility. Anglers looking to catch nocturnal species may find success during this phase.
- Pre-Spawn and Spawn: Some fish, such as bass, are known to be more active during the pre-spawn and spawn phases, which often correspond with specific moon phases.
- Solunar Tables: Many anglers rely on solunar tables, which incorporate moon phase and other factors, to predict the best times for fishing. These tables can provide valuable insights into fish feeding activity.
Conclusion
While the relationship between moon phases and fishing is not an exact science, there is enough anecdotal evidence and tradition among anglers to suggest that the moon can have a significant impact on fish behavior. To improve your fishing success, consider tracking moon phases and planning your fishing trips accordingly. However, always remember that other factors like weather, location, and fishing skills play a crucial role as well. By combining your knowledge of moon phases with other fishing strategies, you can increase your chances of reeling in that big catch.
If you want to know more about the moon during fishing and other factors, check my youtube video here: https://youtu.be/iMflUkkDy3E
