1. Know where to buy a large item
Get close to the coast at high tide or full moon for success.
The phases of the moon correspond directly to the tides and the amount of water flowing in and out of the sea. When the moon is full, the amount of tidal water flowing in at high tide increases. If you're an angler looking to catch big fish, the extra water can be great.
As tidal volumes increase, some larger fish are swimming inland longer than usual. These large swimmers will head to the flats in search of their favorite prey, which means if you're out at sea looking for some large bony fish or other licensed fish, you're likely to come back empty-handed.
2. Watch out for bait
The first mistake anglers make when trying to fish during a full moon is to use the same old technique as every other moon phase.
However, because bait fish behave differently, so do predators. When you fish according to the phases of the moon, you should pay attention to changes in the behavior of the baitfish.
Most of the time, a full moon means more insects and small crustaceans like shrimp. Wherever the creatures are, you're sure to find some larger fish.
3. Understand how the moon affects other species
Don't assume these tips only affect saltwater species. The full moon also affects freshwater fish.
Although there are no true tides on a river or lake, freshwater fish will prey on similar insects and small critters, such as crayfish. This prey comes in swarms during the full moon, so do the freshwater fish that prey on them.
Largemouth bass are very active during the full moon. They frantically prey on schools of bait fish and small crustaceans that feed on zooplankton near the surface of freshwater sources.
4. Plan to fish by moon phase
Farmer's Almanac has a wealth of information for anglers and even publishes a list of the best fishing days of the year. They base these dates on the phases of the moon and divide them into major and minor categories.
The main period occurs when the moon is directly overhead or below your latitude. Small cycles occur when the moon is 90 degrees either side of your reference latitude.
Major and minor periods tend to be staggered by six hours, and they are more accurate when day and night are of equal length, such as during the vernal equinox. Around the vernal equinox, there will be a big event at 6 am and a small event at noon. Then, another major event will occur around dusk. This degree of specificity makes the equinox a prime fishing day.
Larger fish tend to be fed one to two hours after the primary period, and about an hour after the secondary period.
5. Track the behavior of the moon and fish
These major and minor periods also affect the behavior of individual fish. Bass tend to spawn during full moons, as do bluegills.
Fish also tend to surface during full moons, mainly because the bright moonlight attracts them. It's hard for biologists to tell why a full moon affects specific fish behavior, but it's clear that the moon affects water. Therefore, tides can affect the success of your fishing trip.
When you go out under the fishing moon, make sure you have the right gear. Gear like headlights and men's fishing hoodies can help you see and stay comfortable so you can focus on the task at hand.
Get close to the coast at high tide or full moon for success.
The phases of the moon correspond directly to the tides and the amount of water flowing in and out of the sea. When the moon is full, the amount of tidal water flowing in at high tide increases. If you're an angler looking to catch big fish, the extra water can be great.
As tidal volumes increase, some larger fish are swimming inland longer than usual. These large swimmers will head to the flats in search of their favorite prey, which means if you're out at sea looking for some large bony fish or other licensed fish, you're likely to come back empty-handed.
2. Watch out for bait
The first mistake anglers make when trying to fish during a full moon is to use the same old technique as every other moon phase.
However, because bait fish behave differently, so do predators. When you fish according to the phases of the moon, you should pay attention to changes in the behavior of the baitfish.
Most of the time, a full moon means more insects and small crustaceans like shrimp. Wherever the creatures are, you're sure to find some larger fish.
3. Understand how the moon affects other species
Don't assume these tips only affect saltwater species. The full moon also affects freshwater fish.
Although there are no true tides on a river or lake, freshwater fish will prey on similar insects and small critters, such as crayfish. This prey comes in swarms during the full moon, so do the freshwater fish that prey on them.
Largemouth bass are very active during the full moon. They frantically prey on schools of bait fish and small crustaceans that feed on zooplankton near the surface of freshwater sources.
4. Plan to fish by moon phase
Farmer's Almanac has a wealth of information for anglers and even publishes a list of the best fishing days of the year. They base these dates on the phases of the moon and divide them into major and minor categories.
The main period occurs when the moon is directly overhead or below your latitude. Small cycles occur when the moon is 90 degrees either side of your reference latitude.
Major and minor periods tend to be staggered by six hours, and they are more accurate when day and night are of equal length, such as during the vernal equinox. Around the vernal equinox, there will be a big event at 6 am and a small event at noon. Then, another major event will occur around dusk. This degree of specificity makes the equinox a prime fishing day.
Larger fish tend to be fed one to two hours after the primary period, and about an hour after the secondary period.
5. Track the behavior of the moon and fish
These major and minor periods also affect the behavior of individual fish. Bass tend to spawn during full moons, as do bluegills.
Fish also tend to surface during full moons, mainly because the bright moonlight attracts them. It's hard for biologists to tell why a full moon affects specific fish behavior, but it's clear that the moon affects water. Therefore, tides can affect the success of your fishing trip.
When you go out under the fishing moon, make sure you have the right gear. Gear like headlights and men's fishing hoodies can help you see and stay comfortable so you can focus on the task at hand.
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