Full Moon

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Sonata Arctica - Fullmoon - Clip

Moon Phases For Saltwater Fishing - The Real Story

If you travel and fish a lot, you know that the moon can have a considerable impact on your fishing. There are many theories regarding which phases of the moon are good, bad, ugly, and awesome. And there is anecdotal evidence suggesting that every theory is bogus. But the truth is that the moon affects the tides and the tides affect the flats. The moon also affects the feeding habits of fish in the open ocean, so the phase of the moon can be critical to fishing success. Here are a few generally accepted theories on moon phases for fishing and my thoughts.

FULL MOON BAD?
I have clients that swear the full moon is perfectly fine, and others that avoid it like the plague along with the weeks on either side of the full moon. In the open ocean, if the sky is clear, the full moon allows big pelagic species to feed on baitfish all night by the bright light. The assumption is that if fish feed all night, they won't be hungry during the daylight hours. Since we don't fish at night at 99% of our destinations, we try to avoid full moons for the open ocean fishing for sailfish, marlin, dorado, tuna, and other big water species. However, the full moon also produces the biggest tides for flats fishing. Big tides mean more water on the typically shallower flats. Since bigger fish like bonefish and permit can get to these flats only a few days per month, the food sources here are generally greater. Crabs and shrimp and small baitfish live in these really shallow flats for a good portion of every month without having to avoid the predators. It's like an all-you-can-eat buffet that's packed to the 'gills' when the moon gets big and the water gets deeper.

NO MOON GOOD?
The weeks near the new moon (you can barely see the little crescent) are typically the first weeks to get filled up by traveling anglers headed to saltwater destinations. Most people feel the lack of nighttime feeding with no moon outweighs the generous tides when the moon is full. While I tend to agree with this theory, if saltwater fishing lodges only had clients for ten days a month, five on either side of a new moon, it just wouldn't work. The economic reasons are obvious, but there are fishing issues at work here too. With a new moon, many of the flats fish like tarpon and permit will stay in deeper water due to the lesser tides. This means they are not as accessible to anglers. And the fishing pressure by other anglers in areas that are not as remote will be greater during these "prime" days.


MORE TO CONSIDER
Weather can play a big role in determining the impact of the moon. In the tropics, clouds are a common theme all year long. If you get a week of cloudy weather, the night light is less important to fish feeding. And what about SEASONS? The full moon might be terrible in April, but perfect in August. And the full moon in August might be better than the new moon in May. And sometimes bigger tides bring more wind....So a full moon making big tides with cloudy nights would be perfect, right? But cloudy days make the fish harder to spot for anglers.... but bright cloudless days make the fish more spooky on the shallow flats.....

There is no perfect time! This is what makes fishing such an excellent sport. All these variables make it difficult. But if it was easy, it would not generate the same adrenaline rush!

The bottom line is this:  The moon plays a role. But not as big a role as people think. The most important component for fishing success is having the knowledge of how the moon and weather and tides affect the fishing destination you have chosen - and having good guides who know how to manage the variables to make your fishing trip as perfect as it can be. If we could somehow plan to have every fishing trip come pre-packaged with cloudy nights, partly cloudy days, and big tides, we would have the best chance...but that isn't possible. My suggestion is to pick a week that works for you - and book a fishing trip! Let me take care of the moon.

Contact Dale - rodandreeladventures@gmail.com

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About the Author

Dale Williams has traveled and fished the world since 1985. His business, Rod and Reel Adventures is a worldwide fishing travel agency. They offer objective information that helps travelers make well informed decisions. Follow him on Twitter @traveltofish. Read his blogs at travelandfishtheworld.blogspot.com, or check out the Rod and Reel website at www.rodreeladventures.com.