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Moon and Fishing

Solunar theory states that fish are more active- and therefore are more willing to feed - at specific times during the day (e.g. around when the Moon is either Up or Down and when it either Rises or Sets).

The effects of these events change with the position of the Moon with respect to Earth and are also amplified when they are closer to dawn to dask (i.e. when the Sun Rises or Sets).

In fact, when the Moon is up during nigh time its influence on fish is due to the sunlight which reflects off the Moon's surg (Moonlight) which, caveat weather conditions, is bigger when the moon is within the first and third quarter and maximum when is full.

While there is consensus on the combined effects of Moon and Sun (i.e. Solunar theory) on fishing, opinions on moonlight's effects differ. Certain nocturnal fish, like the eel for instance, may be deterred from moonlight, because it may be easier for predators to spot them. Other diurnal species instead may confuse moonlight for sunlight, therefore being more active in these conditions.

Moon Phases

The appearance of the Moon in the sky changes over time depending on its position respect to Earth and Sun.

When the Moon's position is between the Earth and Sun (i.e. the three celestial objects are roughly aligned) the portion of the Moon that is illuminated by the Sun is exactly on the back side of the moon (that we cannot see from Earth). That is when we have a New Moon.

Conversely, when the Earth is in between the Moon and the Sun, all the visible section of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun (e.g. Moon's shadowed portion is entirely hidden from our view). That is when we have a Full Moon.

Similarly, the First Quarter and the Third Quarter moons happen when the Moon is at about ninety (90) degrees with respect to a line passing between Earth and Sun. In this conditions only half of the Moon will be illuminated by Sunlight.

Between New and Full Moon the sunlit portion of the Moon is always increasing, also known as Waxing period. While between Full and New Moon the sunlit portion is decreasing, and that period is known as Waning. In addition, the phase when less than half of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun is called Crescent, while that when more than half of the Moon is illuminated is defined as Gibbous.