For fishermen, landing a catch is more than just a sport – it’s a way of life. Finding that perfect spot or having the right timing can be your most powerful tools in unlocking your dreams, so let’s break it down and figure out the best moon phase for fishing. Once you know the science behind this interesting phenomenon, your fishing trips will definitely be filled with plentiful rewards.
While the New or Full Moon are usually phases that entail lots of activity from most fish species, this relationship is very complex and multi-faceted. Because of that, it’s best to research your particular target species and figure out their behavioral patterns, as well as take into account the weather conditions, water temperature, and time of the day.
What Are the Moon Phases?
As the Sun illuminates different portions of the Moon, it creates different shapes or phases that we see from Earth. These are called the Moon phases, and they are used to describe the changing appearance of this celestial object throughout its 29.5-day cycle as it revolves around the Earth.
This cycle begins with the New Moon and ends with the Waning Crescent. Each phase has its own unique visual characteristics and symbolism in various cultures and beliefs, so let’s take a brief look at all of them:
| Phase | Description |
|---|---|
| New Moon | The satellite is not visible in the sky. This phase occurs when it's between the Earth and the Sun, so its illuminated side is facing away from Earth. |
| Waxing Crescent | A small illuminated crescent is visible in the western sky after sunset. This phase occurs as the satellite moves away from the New Moon towards the First Quarter. |
| First Quarter | Half of the Moon's illuminated side is visible from Earth. This occurs when the satellite has completed about one-quarter of its orbit around the Earth. |
| Waxing Gibbous | More than half, but not all, of the Moon's illuminated side is visible from Earth. This phase occurs as the satellite moves toward a Full Moon. |
| Full Moon | The entire illuminated side of the satellite is visible from Earth. This is the brightest and most well-known phase. It occurs when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon. |
| Waning Gibbous | More than half, but not all, of the satellite's illuminated side is visible from Earth. This phase occurs as it moves away from the Full Moon towards the Third Quarter. |
| Third Quarter | Half of the illuminated side is visible from Earth, but now it's the opposite half. This occurs when the satellite has completed about three-quarters of its orbit. |
| Waning Crescent | Only a small illuminated crescent of the satellite is visible in the eastern sky before sunrise. This occurs as it moves towards a New Moon once again. |
This Phenomenon Has a Strong Influence on Tides and Fishing Conditions
Beginner fishermen might find it surprising that Moon phases play a significant role in fishing conditions. That’s because the gravitational pull of the satellite on Earth’s oceans causes the tides to rise and fall, subsequently affecting the conditions you’re angling in. Fish species may feed more actively during incoming or outgoing tides, so understanding how phases and tides affect your chances of landing a catch can be of great help.
Most Anglers Prefer the Full and New Moon for Their Trips
Anglers commonly believe in this phenomenon, and most of them think that the Full and New Moon are the most favorable phases for fishing. During these periods, when the tidal range is at its greatest, some anglers believe that fish might be more active and, therefore, more likely to bite on the bait or lure.
This belief is based on the assumption that larger tides during these phases move more baitfish and other prey closer to shore, making them easier targets for predatory fish such as grass carp or some of the common saltwater species. While there is some scientific evidence to support this, other factors such as weather conditions, temperature, and time of day can also play significant roles in angling success. So, let’s see if there’s some truth to this whole ordeal.
How Do the Moon Phases Affect Fish Behavior?
No matter what style of angling you’re interested in, chances are that, besides picking up some fishing slang, you’ll be able to hear a lot of anecdotes concerning the phases from your fellow fishermen. Some will swear by the method of timing your outings perfectly with the phases of this celestial object, and the most surprising news is – they’re not entirely wrong.
Here’s how the phases can affect the activity levels, feeding patterns, and migrations of fish species:
Activity Levels
Phases can influence the activity levels of fish in several ways. As mentioned, when the tides are at their highest and lowest, during a Full or New Moon phase, some species may move closer to shore and become more active in shallow water areas. So, by following the phases and considering other factors, such as weather conditions, you might be able to figure out when it’ll be easiest to cast for the gish you’re targeting.
While the exact mechanisms behind these observations are not fully understood, there is some insight into how this phenomenon determines when and where certain species of fish are most likely to feed and move. And as every experienced angler knows, these two aspects are the most important factors when finding the perfect spot for casting.
Feeding Patterns
During the Full or New Moon phase, some species may be more active, which means they’re feeding more aggressively as they take advantage of the increased water flow to hunt for prey that has been swept toward them by strong currents. So, if you’re trying to figure out the best time for casting from the shore, the best moon phase for saltwater fishing would probably be these phases.
Moreover, during the Waxing Moon phase, fish may begin to feed more actively in preparation for the upcoming Full Moon phase. Additionally, some studies suggest that some species might be feeding more actively during nighttime, while others get into a feeding frenzy during daytime hours leading up to the Full Moon. That’s why researching your target is crucial, no matter if you’re planning saltwater fishing at night or trolling from your boat.
Migrations
Besides activity levels and feeding patterns, phases can also influence fish migrations. So, during the Full or New Moon phase, certain species may take advantage of the increased water flow to migrate towards spawning grounds or feeding areas, which makes it easier to reach them while casting and reeling them in once they bite.
For example, some studies have shown that striped bass will move upstream during incoming tides that occur during the Full Moon phase to locate prey and prepare for spawning seasons. So, take time to research your target and its behavior patterns, and you’ll be able to navigate through different weather conditions and phases to find the perfect spot.
What Is the Best Moon Phase for Fishing Different Fish Species?
As you can probably gather by now, which Moon phase is best for fishing depends on the particular species you’re targeting, as the ways this phenomenon influences fish behavior are complex and often multi-faceted. While keeping that in mind, here are the popular game fish species with the phases that tend to yield the best results:
- Striped bass – New and Full Moon phases, especially during spring tides,
- Tarpon – Waxing phase leading up to the Full Moon,
- Redfish and Speckled Trout – during incoming tides that occur during specific phases, where the exact time varies depending on the location,
- Snook – New or Full Moon phases, especially during outgoing tides,
- Bonefish – Waxing phase, particularly around the Full Moon,
- Sailfish – New or Full Moon phases, especially when combined with a strong current,
- Tuna – New or Full Moon phases, and also during the Waxing Moon leading up to the Full Moon.
Tips for Targeting Specific Fish Species During Their Preferred Moon Phases
When targeting specific species during preferred phases, there are a few tips I’d like to underline. First things first, paying attention to tidal movements as well as water depth and temperature can also be helpful, as these factors can influence fish behavior and activity levels.
Also, using bait or lures that mimic the natural prey of the target species will increase your chances of success, no matter what angling technique you’re employing. One more thing that will help you land a catch at the end of your fishing rod is patience – persistence is key, as even during preferred phases, success is never guaranteed, and it may take some time to locate and catch your target.
What Are Some Other Factors to Consider?
As already mentioned a few times, figuring out what Moon phase is best for fishing is complex, as there are other factors that affect fish behavior and activity levels. Water temperature, water clarity, weather conditions, and time of day can all have a substantial impact on the behavioral patterns of a certain species you’re targeting.
Considering all these factors in conjunction with phases is key to achieving optimal results on your fishing trips. By carefully thinking through all of these factors, along with gearing yourself with proper equipment and knowledge, you’ll be able to create a more comprehensive strategy for getting your target caught on that fish hook. So, rather than relying solely on phases, anglers who take a holistic approach to trip planning are more likely to achieve success and enjoy their time on the water.
For the Best Experience Follow Moon Phases and Catch as Many Fish as You Can
All in all, while a Full or New Moon works with most species, there is no single period that’ll ensure angling success. However, it’s still important to understand the relationship between lunar cycles and fish behavior, as it’s one of the most important pieces of the complex puzzle that is fishing. So, keep an eye out for the changing phases and weather conditions, and also study your target thoroughly, as all of these factors will ensure that you get the most out of your experience. So get out there and discover some secret spots!
Maya Brown
Maya's love for fishing runs deep, and she's always ready to cast her line and dive into new angling adventures. As a skilled caster, she has mastered the art of precision and finesse, making even the trickiest casts look like a breeze. Maya's passion for fishing is contagious, and her witty puns are as sharp as her hooks, making her a favorite among the angling community.
