Moon Phases and Fishing Tips at Night | Fishing Moon Phase

by Pablo Koch-Schick March 19, 2022

Fishing at night is a magical experience, but did you know that the moon's phases influence your catch success? By using the Solunar Theory, which links the moon's phases with fish activity, you can drastically improve your chances of landing that big catch. This theory suggests that fishing during certain lunar phases, like the full or new moon, aligns with times when fish are most active, offering a strategic advantage.

Planning your trips according to a moon phase calendar can make a big difference. Timing your fishing to these cycles can lead to more bites and successful catches. Fishing with the moon's influence will transform your fishing trips into more productive and enjoyable adventures.

Man holding a Mangrove Snapper during the best moon phase for fishing

The Solunar Theory: What It Is and How Does It Affect Fishing?

Fishermen have long observed a phenomenon that links the moon's phases with the activity of fish and other wildlife, known as the Solunar Theory. This theory suggests a strong correlation between the moon's phases and certain activities on Earth, including fishing, hunting, and even plant growth.

The Solunar Theory is based on two main parts: the lunar phase and the solar day. The lunar phase refers to the moon's position relative to the Earth, which cycles through four main phases: new moon, waxing crescent, full moon, and waning gibbous. Each phase influences fish behavior in different ways, often resulting in higher fish activity, which includes increased feeding, movement, and overall presence in the fishing area.

New Moon: During the new moon, the sky is darker, which can make fish more active, particularly during dawn and dusk. Species like bass and catfish tend to be more aggressive during these times, making them more likely to bite.
Waxing Crescent: As the moon starts to illuminate more each night, fish activity can increase, especially during the early evening. Fish such as walleye and trout are known to respond to the gradually increasing light, making evening fishing particularly productive.
Full Moon: The bright light of the full moon can trigger nocturnal feeding, making night fishing particularly productive. Fish like snapper and tarpon are more active under the bright moonlight, often hunting and feeding more aggressively during the night.
Waning Gibbous: As the moonlight starts to wane, fish activity can shift back to dawn and dusk periods. Species such as crappie and striped bass are more likely to feed during these twilight hours, providing optimal opportunities for anglers.

The solar day, on the other hand, is the 24-hour cycle of the sun rising and setting. The combination of lunar phases with solar days creates a pattern of major and minor feeding periods for fish.

Major feeding periods typically occur when the moon is directly overhead or underfoot, while minor periods happen during moonrise and moonset. These periods are important for planning your fishing trips, as they often coincide with increased fish activity.

How Do the Moon Phases Influence Your Catch on the Gulf Coast off St. Petersburg, Florida?

If you want to try fishing during a specific moon phase, it is important to use a moon phase calendar based on the moon's phases. This will help you to better plan your fishing trips.

Fishing during different phases of the moon is a common practice, and there are many different theories about how the moon phase affects fish behavior. Some people believe that the moon's gravitational pull affects the water, affecting the fish. Others believe that the moon's light draws the fish in.

Whatever the reason may be, evidence suggests that fishing during certain moon phases can lead to more successful catches.

Two men holding large snapper fish on a boat at night fishing trip during the optimal moon phase.

The Best Fishing Strategy: The Right Moon Phase

Fish are creatures of habit, and one of the patterns they follow closely is the moon phase.

Here’s a breakdown of the optimal fishing strategies for each moon phase:

Full Moon:

Night Fishing: Highly productive due to increased nocturnal feeding.
Day Fishing: Can be slower as fish may have fed extensively overnight.
Key Times: Around sunrise and sunset, when fish activity peaks.

New Moon:

Night Fishing: Less light makes fish more cautious, but feeding still occurs.
Day Fishing: Increased activity during major and minor feeding periods.
Key Times: Near sunrise and moonrise, when fish are more active.

Waxing and Waning Phases:

Waxing Crescent: Early evening fishing can be productive as light increases.
Waning Gibbous: Dawn and dusk periods are key as night light decreases.
Quarter Phases: Unpredictable, but dawn and dusk often yield good results.

To make the most of your fishing trips, use a moon phase calendar to identify these key periods. Pay attention to major and minor feeding periods, which are times when fish are naturally more active and likely to be feeding. By aligning your fishing efforts with the lunar cycle, you can improve your chances of success.

None of this will be useful unless you also know which hook to use! Read our complete fishing hook guide to stay one step ahead.

The Moon's Phases and Tides: When Is the Best Time to Fish?

Tides are one of the most important factors in determining the best times to fish. Understanding how tides work and their relationship with the moon’s phases will help you find the right fishing strategy for your location. High tides and low tides each offer unique opportunities for fishing, and knowing how to read a tide chart is key to making the most of these opportunities.

The Influence of Tides on Fishing Success

The moon’s phases largely dictate the tides. Understanding this relationship can help you plan your fishing trips more effectively:

Full Moon and New Moon: These phases generate the most substantial tidal changes, known as spring tides. During these times, you can expect higher high tides and lower low tides. The increased water movement can stimulate fish activity, making these periods particularly advantageous for fishing.
First and Last Quarter Moons: These phases produce neap tides, less extreme tidal changes. High tides are not as high, and low tides are not as low. While the water movement is less pronounced, fishing can still be productive, especially if you focus on the major and minor feeding periods.
Waxing and Waning Phases: These phases represent the transitions between the primary phases and also affect tidal patterns. Paying attention to these periods can provide additional insights into the best times to fish.

Better predicting when fish are likely to be most active and accessible results in more catches. Whether you prefer fishing during high tides or low tides, using this knowledge to plan your trips will bring more successful and enjoyable fishing experiences.

How The Phases of the Moon Affects the Tides

The moon's phases largely dictate the tides. High tides generally happen when the moon is full or new, while low tides occur when in its first or last quarter moon.

However, this isn't always true - it can be varied depending on your location and other factors - but it's a good rule of thumb to go by.

Fishing boat docked at marina with green underwater lights during twilight. Best Moon Phases for Fishing Success.

Moon Phase Fishing Advice for New Anglers

As a new angler, you may be wondering when the best time to catch bigger and better fish is. As we have mentioned, the moon phase unquestionably plays a role in how successful your trip will be. Whether you're fishing during a full or new moon or one of the rising or setting periods, make sure to pay attention to when the fish are most active during those times.

The Solunar Theory offers a fascinating insight into the natural rhythms that influence fish activity, providing a strategic edge for those willing to plan their trips accordingly. So next time you head out for a night of fishing, remember to check the moon phase – it might just be the key to your best catch yet!150 long