Moon Phases

[cliftoma]

Does anybody think that the solunar or moon phase tables are useful in determining the best time of day and best time of month to go fishing?

My bros and I are thinking of planning a trip in July to go to Punta Mita. In the past, we have fished in Cabo. Last time, we inadvertantly planned our trip right on the full moon. While we still caught fish (2 'hoos lost, 1 small dorado and 1 striped marlin over 2 days on the water), all the captains down there were saying that it was a bad time of the month for fishing, especially marlin, due to the full moon.

I have read several different opinions on the net regarding the subject and just thought I would ask for your guys' opinions. If you think that the moon phases have an effect on fishing, what moon phase(s) do you like to fish?

Oh, and if can anybody tell me how the fishing is likely to be in July down in Punta Mita, I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

[CORBINAKING]

I have been down to the East Cape 6 or 7 times, and one year it was durning the Full Moon phase in the month of August. The yellow fin were plentiful and we landed a large blue marlin 400 + lbs.

Locally, full moon in Spring or late Winter WSB are a sure thing on live squid.

New Moon phase I have done really well with the shallow water (25 feet or less) Halibut. Best months are Feb-June and then again in Sept. and Oct.

It is a know fact that the Full and New Moons produce the largest swings in tidal movement. High Highs and Low Lows!

Happy Catching!

MR

[cliftoma]

Originally Posted by CORBINAKING

I have been down to the East Cape 6 or 7 times, and one year it was durning the Full Moon phase in the month of August. The yellow fin were plentiful and we landed a large blue marlin 400 + lbs.

Locally, full moon in Spring or late Winter WSB are a sure thing on live squid.

New Moon phase I have done really well with the shallow water (25 feet or less) Halibut. Best months are Feb-June and then again in Sept. and Oct.

It is a know fact that the Full and New Moons produce the largest swings in tidal movement. High Highs and Low Lows!

Happy Catching!

MR

Thanks for the info.

Regarding the full moon phase, the Cabo captains were saying that, due to the full moon, the marlin were able to feed more readily at night. Thus, they were not as likely to bite during the day.

To an extent, I have experienced this with big game hunting. Generally, the morning following a bright moon the game were not as likely to be out foraging for food.

On the other hand, one of my best fishing days that I can remember here in NM was on a full moon.

As you mentioned, I have read that the days before and after a new moon or full moon are generally good days to go out.

Maybe we'll try the new moon period and see how it works out?

Any other opinions?

[Afry]

When traveling to fish I like to plan to go near a new moon.

[tap]

I just got back from Panama last Friday on a "full moon" trip. We caught black marlin to 450, yellowfin to 278, sailfish to 155, roosterfish to 75 and some big amberjack, cubera snapper, bluefin trevally, etc. Never had a problem with full moon trips down there. It IS a great excuse when you're not doing well, however.

Tony Pena
"Roving Angler"

[cliftoma]

Originally Posted by tap

It IS a great excuse when you're not doing well, however.

Maybe that's all it was.

[JUST-IN-TIME]

it is based fact that pelagic like to feed 3 days before and 3 days after a full moon!

[Aquahero3]

When albacore fishing near the full moon its the gray bite then dick around until the afternoon and it goes pretty epic...


either that or the NIGHT before the full moon