Fish activity varies during certain moon phases. During a full moon, fish tend to feed more aggressively. The bright light at night allows them to see their prey better. This increased visibility makes them more active, which means more bites for anglers.

On the other hand, during a new moon, the darkness can make fish less active. They might be more cautious and less likely to bite. This is according to the Solunar Theory, a hypothesis set out by John Alden Knight. However, this isn’t always a hard rule. Sometimes, fish will surprise you and be more active than expected.

Moon Phases and Fish Feeding Patterns

Below is our detailed outline of the moon phase, the best time to fish during that moon phase, and why it’s better.

Moon Phase	Symbol	Best Time to Fish	Description
New Moon	🌑	Daytime	Fish are more active due to increased reliance on other senses. Strong tides stir up food, encouraging feeding.
Waxing Crescent	🌒	Day and night	Increasing moonlight boosts activity. Moderate tides create predictable conditions.
First Quarter	🌓	Day and night	Fish activity is balanced, with moderate feeding patterns. Predictable conditions aid in planning.
Waxing Gibbous	🌔	Day and night	Peak activity due to growing moonlight. Moderate tides support consistent fishing.
Full Moon	🌕	Nighttime	Bright nights lead to increased nocturnal feeding. Strong tides enhance activity.
Waning Gibbous	🌖	Dawn and dusk	Decreasing moonlight keeps fish active during twilight. Stable tidal conditions.
Last Quarter	🌗	Dawn and dusk	Fish activity decreases but remains productive during twilight. Stable tides aid fishing.
Waning Crescent	🌘	Daytime	Low light conditions make fish more active. Tides moderate, creating consistent feeding environments.

Descriptions of The Type of Moon Phases

New Moon (🌑): The moon is positioned between the Earth and the sun, making it invisible from Earth. This phase results in the darkest nights.

Waxing Crescent (🌒): A small sliver of the moon becomes visible after the new moon, increasing in visibility each night.

First Quarter (🌓): Half of the moon is illuminated, creating a half-moon shape. This phase occurs roughly one week after the new moon.

Waxing Gibbous (🌔): More than half of the moon is illuminated, leading up to the full moon.

Full Moon (🌕): The entire face of the moon is illuminated, resulting in the brightest nights.

Waning Gibbous (🌖): The moon starts to decrease in illumination, with more than half still visible after the full moon.

Last Quarter (🌗): Half of the moon is illuminated again, but the opposite half compared to the first quarter.

Waning Crescent (🌘): A small sliver of the moon remains visible, decreasing in visibility each night until the new moon.

Light Levels and Fish Activity

The amount of moonlight plays a big role in fish behavior. Fish rely on their vision to hunt, and more light means they can see better. During a full moon, this increased light can turn fish into night-time predators.

Conversely, during a new moon, the lack of light can make fish less willing to venture out of hiding. They might stay closer to cover where they feel safe. This can make fishing during a new moon more challenging.

Tidal Influence

The moon doesn’t just affect light levels. It also influences tides, which can impact fish behavior. High tides can bring fish closer to shore, making them easier to catch. Low tides can have the opposite effect, pushing fish further out.

Tips for Fishing According to Moon Phases

Your bait selection is crucial when fishing according to moon phases.

Full Moon Fishing

• Focus on night fishing.
• Use lures that mimic prey fish can see in the bright moonlight, such as light or glow-in-the-dark colors.
• Expect more bites and aggressive behavior.

New Moon Fishing

• Fish during the day when light levels are higher.
• Use noisy, bright and vibrating lures to attract fish.
• Try live baits such as nightcrawlers or small fish.

Waxing Crescent to First Quarter Fishing

• Fish both during the day and night.
• Use spinners or twitch baits with bright colors.
• Live baits like worms or tiny fish can be effective.

Waxing Gibbous Fishing

• Fish both during the day and night.
• Use spoons or spinnerbaits with bright or metallic colors.
• Try live baits like worms or minnows.

Waning Gibbous to Last Quarter Fishing

• Focus on fishing during dawn and dusk.
• Use jigs or crankbaits with bright or metallic colors.
• Live baits such as worms or shrimp work well.

Waning Crescent Fishing

• Fish during the daytime.
• Use rattling lures or vibrating baits with dark or bright colors.
• Live baits like nightcrawlers or minnows are effective.

Which Type Of Fishing Is Better For Fishing By Moon Phase

Saltwater Fishing: Moon phases significantly impact saltwater fishing by influencing tidal movements. During new or full moons, stronger tides stir up more food and attract fish closer to shore, making them easier to catch.

These phases create stronger currents, enhancing the feeding activity of predatory fish, particularly around structures like piers, jetties, and reefs where fish gather to feed.

Tidal-Affected Waters: The moon’s gravitational pull causes tidal changes that concentrate fish in specific areas. High tides bring fish closer to shorelines and shallow areas, while low tides push them into deeper channels and pools.

Fishing during the transition periods—when the tide is coming in or going out—is particularly productive, as fish are more active and feeding during these times. Understanding and leveraging these tidal patterns, influenced by moon phases, can greatly enhance fishing success.

Key Takeaways

• Fish are more active during certain moon phases, with increased feeding behaviors.
• During a full moon, the bright light at night allows fish to see their prey better, leading to more aggressive feeding and more bites for anglers.
• During a new moon, the darkness can make fish less active and more cautious, though this isn’t always a hard rule, and fish behavior can sometimes surprise you.
• The Solunar Theory, proposed by John Alden Knight, suggests that fish activity is influenced by the moon phases, with peak activity during certain times.
• Light levels play a significant role in fish behavior. More light during a full moon can turn fish into nighttime predators, while lack of light during a new moon can make them stay closer to cover.
• The moon also influences tides, which can impact fish behavior.
• High tides can bring fish closer to shore, while low tides can push them further out.
• Fishing success can be improved by understanding and adapting to the moon phases, using appropriate lures and techniques, and fishing during optimal times for each phase.