The Effects of Solar and Lunar Cycles on Fishing

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The Effects of Solar and Lunar Cycles on Fishing

<p>Lunar phases as well as the position of the moon have a direct effect on the<br/>great majority of life on this planet.&nbsp; Seventy five percent of all record<br/>breaking game fish catches have been recorded either three days before, three<br/>days after or during the new moon.</p><p>While moon phases do seem to affect animal behavior, it is not known whether<br/>this is as a result of greater visibility under full moons, which makes them<br/>more susceptible to predators, or simply a response to cyclical rhythms and or<br/>gravity.</p><p>Light plays a larger role in the hunting practices of certain animals. <br/>Carnivorous fish such as the garrick and king fish adjust to light changes<br/>quicker than most, therefore dusk and dawn are their preferred feeding times. <br/>This is not to say that these are the only times predatory fish will eat.&nbsp; At<br/>high noon the sun penetrates deeper into the ocean, facilitating the presence<br/>of large amounts of plankton for baitfish to feed on. While the baitfish are<br/>busy eating, larger fish have the opportunity travel a bit deeper to enjoy an<br/>afternoon snack. There is also evidence suggesting that the tide, which is<br/>determined by the phase of the moon greatly affects trout fishing. A study done<br/>between the years of 1959 and 1968 showed that the largest catches of trout<br/>were immediately before and after the new moon and the smallest during the full<br/>moon.</p><p>To understand why tide and currents are so important to fisherman, the<br/>difference between the two must be understood.&nbsp; Tide is the vertical movement<br/>of water and current is the horizontal. Tides change throughout the course of a<br/>24 period, there are two low and two high.&nbsp; Flooding is the term used when the<br/>tide is rising, ebbing is the term used to describe the falling tide and if<br/>there is no movement at all the tide is described as slack.</p><p>Fish are much easier to catch when they are feeding. Tides and currents play a<br/>significant role in the eating habits of these creatures. Not only does water<br/>movement stimulate feeding activity, it also confuses smaller fish that get<br/>swept up in the turbulence, allowing larger fish to feast on their disoriented<br/>prey.&nbsp; Larger fish are of course better built to navigate through more<br/>tempestuous waters, making the conditions ideal for fishing.</p><p>Constant movement of water is integral to maintaining the health of ocean wild<br/>life. It not only casts out pollutants but it also transports necessary<br/>nutrients to those lowest on the food chain. This movement also tends to create<br/>dense pockets of plankton, which stimulates baitfish to feed, which in turn<br/>attracts larger fish. Concentration of baitfish is still possible even in the<br/>absence of plankton. Rough waters can further limit the already poor swimming<br/>abilities of these small creatures causing them to lump together.</p><p>Although some make it a strict habit to only fish when the moon is in a perfect<br/>phase with perfect weather, it does not mean that fish can only be caught under<br/>these conditions.&nbsp; It simply means that fish are likely to be more active,<br/>therefore easier to catch.</p>