This stage in the often-confusing cycle can lead to successful outings for anglers.
By MIKE SCARANTINO
Published December 6, 2003
Fishing can be productive around the lesser moon.
The effects of the sun and moon on fresh and saltwater angling were publicized in 1926 by Jon Alden Knight. His first inquiries were instigated by the folklore of a few Floridians.
The theory was simple: Did the sun and moon exert force over the activities of fish?
The answer, after scrutiny, was a resounding yes, and in 1936 Knight published what anglers now know as the Solunar tables. Saltwater anglers need to be attentive to more than just moon phases, but their influence can't be denied.
Serious anglers have to coordinate their efforts around moon phases, lower winter tides and inclement weather. Cold fronts are arriving at increasingly frequent intervals, messing up many opportunities. All three elements can be confusing. To go or not to go becomes the question.
The air temperature dropping into the low 30s on some mornings coupled with windy conditions have the water temperature dropping like stones. Fish tend to scatter for deeper, more stable areas. High-pressure systems will send fish seeking shelter more than a meal.
Though many days seem picture-perfect, picking the right one to fish may be a chore. Weather-watching anglers will experience higher levels of frustration from now until spring.
As for working the waters during the different moon phases, many anglers prefer to try only the new- and full-moon cycles. These times of the month produce the fastest-moving tidal flow but not always the best angling. Both cycles typically yield the largest catches. There are methods for fishing lesser moon phases.
Inshore anglers look for strong tidal flow to excite fish appetites. The faster the flow, the higher the fish's metabolism, the greater the need for caloric replacement. They time their winter outings to coincide with the strongest moon phases.
During the stronger phases, fishing near creek mouths on a dropping tide may produce results. Water flowing from the estuaries could be warmer and contain small prey. If the dropping tide coincides with the afternoon warmth, chances are the action will be good.
When fishing incoming strong moon tides, the interior parts of the estuary may produce better activity. Fresh oxygenated Gulf water mixing into the estuary could increase the action.
Soon, chilly open-water estuaries will seem devoid of life. Even pinfish, among the more hardy forage fish, virtually will disappear until spring.
Inshore anglers will be forced to move farther into backwater estuaries, canals and upriver to find pockets of fish. In contrast, offshore anglers will locate good activity throughout the colder times.
Not all grouper anglers look to the powerful forces of the full or new moon to have a productive day. Some wait for the quarter moon to have their way on the water.
Many knowledgeable grouper diggers fish the quarter-moon cycle on purpose. They find less hassle with entangling weeds when trolling shallow rock piles for grouper.
Anchoring becomes less of a chore during the quarter moon, especially when the anchor needs to be pulled or reset. Setting up directly over an intended spot is easier when the tidal current exerts less influence over the boat's direction.
One of the biggest benefits to fishing the lesser moon is the occurrence of early-morning high tides and midday lows. The water temperature gets a chance to heat up a degree or two. Typically, the afternoon bite is more productive during the quarter moon.
Another benefit during weaker tides occurs when working shallow areas for bottom fish. It is easier to chum potential catches away from their lairs.
During these times, individual spots are chummed with chunked frozen bait before setting out fishing lines. As the pieces begin to settle through the slower-moving water column, grouper will leave the safety to eat.
Remember, too, that during weaker tidal flow fish need to be coaxed more to eat. Once chummed into activity, baited lines are set and the catching can commence.
There is one caveat for all anglers when fishing the full-moon cycle: Most fish and game species will be most active and feed at night.
- If you have a question or comment, call Mike Scarantino, (352) 683-4868.
