Has anyone out there noticed that when there is a full or new moon it effects fishing?

If you have any stories feel free to share.

-CV

CanoeViking: "Has anyone out there noticed that when there is a full or new moon it effects fishing?

If you have any stories feel free to share.

-CV"

Punch “solunar theory” into the google machine and go nuts! Moon phase definitely has an affect, but it can be over-shadowed or cancelled out by other influential factors like weather, water temp, bug hatch, etc. Important to keep it in perspective and attempt to place in context of “the big picture.”

I’ve read that it’s a bigger factor in bodies of water where fish are feeding largely on invertebrates, as opposed to shad for example. Invertebrate movement is heavily influenced by moon phase so I guess that’s why the fish are more likely to be active then as well.

I have often wondered about this. I keep a journal of my bdub trips so I looked on the internet the dates that I have had superb fishing. Would you believe the most fantastic brook trout day I have ever had coincided exactly with the new moon of oct09. The other trout time was around the new moon also but not exactly. Maybe a coincidence I don't know. Anybody else? Marc

I think it matters but I’ve had my best and worst success during full moon phases, so unfortunately it is just one factor in my experience.

T

I think it may influence our abilities to catch big fish as they tend to be more timid and perhaps more active at night. But for the most part, in fresh water, I think the effects are over rated.

Im unsure how much influence it has on fishing but I still like to plan a trip over a new or full moon. Fishing aside, its always nice to have bright nights with a full moon, or star filled skies with a new moon.

I agree with all the posters thus far.

On my 3 day offshore trips we fish round the clock but especially at night when the snapper bite best. "Night time is the right time" is our motto. I have had my worst trips on new and full moons but 3 three days before of after are good. Go figure?

My favorite moon phase is 1st quarter. But legendary Keys Captain Yuri, when queried on the subject, says it doesn't matter and other factors have precedence. I remain dubious as every time I have gone directly on the full or new it has sucked (to put it bluntly).

As per freshwater fishing I can't help but believe that closer to the full would put fish in a mood to feed at night. And several days after the new (first quarter) would put fish in the mood to eat during the day as they might not have been particularly successful eating at night during the new.

But whatever the moon and whatever the weather I am going fishing if I'm out there so I guess it's a moot point ;-)

i do fish with people/family that does put alot of stock in this , i think it has a place but i'm not planning a bwca trip around it. i feel barometric pressure and fronts have more to do with it , BUT............ we have done very good ice fishing under a full moon for walleyes on tip ups,