Probably one of the single most significant factors that will separate a great fishing day from a wasted boat ride is the moon phase. I understand for some of us the best day to go fishing is when you can squeeze in a time between our busy schedules. I get it, as the old bumper sticker reads, âa bad day fishing beats a great day at work anytimeâ. However, if you have the ability to pick and choose when you can hit the water, pay close attention to the moon phases. Here are a few tips to help you make better decisions when planning that much needed fishing trip. Of course, if youâre booking a charter, ask your guide what phase the moon will be in and if he or she doesnât know, that may tell you a little bit about how they operate.
Not all species are affected the same.
What I mean is, for some species a full moon may be better than a new moon or vise versa depending on where youâre chasing them. Hereâs an example; in Southwest Florida where I guide in the winter, the full moon normally brings higher than normal night tides and lower than normal morning tides. So, with that we have the following;
Snook will feed all night on the âhill tideâ and rest all day.
So, if itâs Snook your after go at night if you can. This also holds true for Redfish and most near shore reef species like Snapper and Grouper. Up on Cape Cod where I guide all summer this also holds true for our prized Striped Bass. The nighttime âeel dunkersâ will slam the fish and the next morning is usually slow at best. Also, if itâs squid youâre after, nothing beats a bright full moon around June in the Northeast.
Know what forage species are affected by the moon phase.
Down on Charlotte Harbor each spring, the Tarpon show up just in time for the Pass-Crab spawn. These crabs will spawn on the incoming tides during the new and full moon phases. These again are called âhill tidesâ on Charlotte Harbor, and when the tide starts to turn out thousands if not millions of crabs wash out to Boca Grande pass and into the jaws of giant Tarpon. April, 26th is the first new moon phase that may kick off the Tarpon season this year.
Safety first! The moon phase and tides will mess you up!
As I write this piece we just came off the full moon and I noticed a Sailboat on its side by Skipâs Placida Marina. Apparently the skipper didnât know thereâs an Oyster Bar (not the kind we like) right off the fuel dock and is normally around 2 feet under the surface at mid-tide. My Point is, the tides will be much lower especially like last night with a Lunar Equinox. Please exercise caution when moving from spot to spot. Watch your charts and remember what goes up must come down. So, if youâre exploring new spots that have more water than ever, remember when that tide turns thereâs gonna be much less water than ever before. Better hope you have some bug dope and water with ya if you ainât paying attention.
Capt. John Curry Capefishing.net 508-209-7741