how does the cycle of the moon affect fishing?

Question

specifically salt water. and what about tides, how does that affect when the best time to fish?

Answer 1

The moon cycle does a couple of things. First, a full moon puts light on the water at night, which may affect the feeding patterns of fish, making it easier to feed at night. But more importantly, during the full and new moons, the tides are higher, which means currents are stronger, which is always important in getting fish to bite.

Some fish (white seabass and bluefin tuna, off southern California) seem to bite better right around a full moon, while others don't seem affected by it, as long as you find the current and other conditions are okay.

The tides themselves (aside from the stronger currents) really only affect fish in or near the surf zone. During maximal tidal movement, more stuff is stirred up off the bottom, which gets the fish to feed more. When tides are slack (at full low or high tide), the bite's usually slower. Incoming tides are generally better than outgoing ones.

Answer 2

It's a myth discussed by fishing folks for centuries. The moon, however, does have an effect on the tides, currents, and water level. On a full moon, the tide will be stronger and will cover more of the beach. This, however, does not mean the fish will bite. Fishing is all about being in the right place, right time, right bait. Logically, let's say the moon does have an effect, then where on the coast will the fish be biting. There is over 200 miles of coastline on Long Island, NY, if the full moon plays an effect, where along those 200 miles will the fish be biting? So it's less about moon cycle, and more about being in the right place.

Answer 3

It is debatable whether or not it actually does. Fish are not smart they have been programed geneticly to react to conditions and cycles etc. Moon phases certainly affect the amount of light on the water. This may aide a fish actually seeing a bait. We also know that the moons gravity affects things such as the tides, so this pull on the earth affects gravitational and magnetic fields that may have an impact on the fishes behavior. It is probably best to keep notes when you fish pertaining to the moon phases and draw your own oppinions.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
how does the cycle of the moon affect fishing?
specifically salt water. and what about tides, how does that affect when the best time to fish?

Answer 5

Full Moon And Fishing

Answer 6

It actually increases the bloodflow to the digestive system of the fish. Scientists believe this has something to do with the presence of Mercury, and obviously increases as the amount of present mercury increases. The increased bloodflow causes constriction in the bowel tract and releases more excretement. It doesn't affect the timing of your fishing adventure, it simply puts extra strain on the fish, and at the most MIGHT cause the fish to be a bit more apathetic towards the bait or even eating in general.

I hope this helps!