So do ya bag it all when it's a full moon?
Stay home and watch the Series? :plastered: ;)
Examine the lint between your toes? Look for fromunda cheese? :upck:
Or just spend some quality time with the family? :argue:
So do ya bag it all when it's a full moon?
Stay home and watch the Series? :plastered: ;)
Examine the lint between your toes? Look for fromunda cheese? :upck:
Or just spend some quality time with the family? :argue:
"Decided to go fishing last night pretending that the full moon would not have a big effect. .. I am never fishing a full moon without clouds again, just not worth it."
I put this up here not to embarass C4, but because it's something I have said to myself time and time again. I'll bet quite a few guys have said it to themselves as well. http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...cons/icon3.gif
When the fishing is bad, is it really because of the full moon, or are there other factors?
Does the brighter light spook the fish or make them more wary? Isn't the stronger current a more important factor to focus on?
Surf fishing books mention beginning and ending stages of the moon as stimulating a greater innate feeding behavior by striped bass. The greater current is one factor in disorienting baitfish, causing some to be more easily eaten.
There are countless other factors, issues and questions.
Does it matter if you fish on a cloudless full moon or it's overcast?
I think so. IMO when the night is overcast, it doesn't make one difference whether that moon is full, other than you have to decide what spots you will hit if there is current involved, and at what stage of the tide.
Does it matter if you fish bait or artificials when the moon is full on a cloudless night?
I definitely think so, and feel the bait sitting there will work better on a cloudless night, than some artificial presentations.
I would also point out that when you have a "fire in the water" situation where phosphorescence is present, fishing bait may give some anglers an edge because I feel it looks more natural sitting in the water than the plug you're throwing that looks like it's possessed. :scared::scared:
Of course, all of these behaviors depend on how hungry the fish are and IF they are on the feed at that time.
I'm not claiming to be right here in all instances. These are merely my observations, and I'd like to hear yours.
For those who would completely discount fishin during the full moon tide, I would point out that Al McReynolds got his world record surf-caught bass during a noreast weather pattern, which happened to occur during a full moon. :learn:
So let's hear what you guys and girls think, and about your experiences, no right or wrong answers here. :thumbsup:
I'm not just happy to fish, I have to analyze everything the next morning. :kooky:
I think either talking to Fin or one of the OFFC guys this morning, it was mentioned that in the late fall, the full moon night bite, dependent on water temperature, is not a great one.
Any other thoughts?
Another go to guy is my friend and fishin maniac Zimno, AKA the Demented Weatherman, the King of Photochop. :2flip:
This guy takes watching weather to the next level of insanity, getting various feeds delivered to his house.
Even though he talks more than me :laugh: the dude knows stuff!
I mentioned the frustration of 7 1/2 hours of fishin last night when I felt the moon should not have affected the feeding behavior of at least a few nice fish.
He said: "Of course ya didn't catch any fish ya knucklehead, there was a high pressure system last night which gave the fish lockjaw! :moon: :learn:
So is it the moon, or does high and low pressure have an effect as well? I think pressure is important and have started to pay more attention. However, you can learn so much about barometric pressure if ya want, that a degree would be needed for others to understand. It really has a lot of variables. How do ya separate the important stuff from the minor details so ya know when it's a good time?
For me, I say anytime you can get out is a good time, you might catch a fish despite all the evidence you read telling you you won't.
Example of this is the guys who stand around in the spring waiting for the bunker to come into the pockets so they can sling the big pencils or weighted trebles. :don't know why:
Meanwhile, there are one or 2 guys quietly plugginng away, blind casting. That guy catches a 30, and all of a sudden all hell breaks loose, everyone into action!
My journey as a fisherman is not only about what happens, but learning why, so I can use that knowledge as I travel to other waters. That's why I take so much time to present this stuff to you people, to get you to think for yourselves, instead of following the herd. :D
Fromunda cheese? Got pics?:DQuote:
Originally Posted by DarkSkies
I have no problems fishing full moon under clouds at night. For the fall, I say the early morning bite is a good one, moon or no moon.
You sure you want to see pics of that?:kooky: You're not gay, are you?Quote:
Originally Posted by storminsteve
fromunda cheese-
Meaning "From Under" - Australian Style.
Commonly known as Smegma, dead skin cells that accumulate in areas of poor ventilation and usually associated with sweaty areas. ie; Belly Buttons and a woman's vaginal area. Most seen on those who don't properly bathe!
"Dude, I went down on my date last night and she had a horrible case of Fromunda Cheese, I couldn't finish the act!"
No I have a fascination with the gross and unusual. Any problem with that? Why would you ask a question like that?:huh:
That is a good point dark. Lots of folks will not attempt to fish with the fire in the water. A little trick I use is to use dark or black terminal tackle. Shiny brass is too visible during such a cycle.Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkSkies
I HATE fire. I will continue to fish, and I have pulled some out of it, but if it gets too bad I either find some lights to fish near or call it a night.
The moonlight is a different story. With the moon comes higher, bigger water. I will try to find deep structure or some turbulent water. If the bait is being washed through a rip, the bass will be there regardless of how bright it is.
Good thread. As for seasonal variation, I find in the spring when the big bunker are around, the bass will feed throughout a night full moon in a harbor or marina area.
Fish are all on vacation during the full moon. Might as well stay home.:DQuote:
Originally Posted by DarkSkies
Quote:
Originally Posted by storminsteve
Steve, all in fun, I meant nothing by it. I couldn't imagine a guy who wanted to see smegma pics. I have been plagued with this at times, and it just struck me as an unusual pic request. No hard feelings, here's some links for that kind of stuff, enjoy.:thumbsup:
www.ebaumsworld.com
www.rotten.com
And, if you really want a view of the sickest chit out there, try efukt. I'm not going to put the link because Dark might censor it, so just search and add dot com. Happy hunting, I wouldn't advise eating a sandwich while you're browsing there.;) :HappyWave:
Boy there are some sick people on here! I know ebaums but I went to the others, the sickness knows no limits!:eek:Quote:
Originally Posted by bababooey
Quote:
Originally Posted by fishinmission78
What he said
you forgot your bird watching:thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkSkies
Didn't I tell you about our new forum called "birds have feelings too". We're rolling it out next week, thought you should be among the first to know...:HappyWave:Quote:
Originally Posted by finchaser
[Look for our new video forums, "birds have feelings too" :ROFLMAO and how to close down a beach for half a season for a few non-existent birds. :kooky: :2flip: ]
(posts#13 & 17, I filmed a video documenting they kept the beach areas closed for WEEKS :2flip: after the plovers were long gone)
http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...?t=3374&page=2
My life is so much more complete now that I know all about fromunda cheese, thanks.:rolleyes:Quote:
Originally Posted by bababooey
For some reason I have always done better with bait during a full moon. Maybe that's just me.
Bait, pogy chunks, eels, etc, some striper magnets during a full moon.Quote:
Originally Posted by hookset
The full moon is coming in a few days, get your bait set ups ready.
Yeah, the surf has been way high the last 2 days.
So is anyone going to make any predictions on how fishing will be during the first full moon of the fishing season? I think it is on the 20th. Do you guys think it will make a difference?
I think when you are plugging with top water and swimmers it can be a disadvantage because of the brightness. Bucktailing I feel is different because you are further down in the water column, so imo it doesn't matter for that. As for bait fishing, I feel its like a coin toss. Some full moons I have done well, and others I have not. Actually, I like the new moon better than the full. You have roughly the same tidal surge/pull, while you have the absense of the moon's luminescence.
Forthe moon we have on the 20th, I think they are saying it will be closer to the Earth than at any time in a decade or so. Fishing a back bay that means you will have more time near the top of the tide to fish as it will be noticably higher. It also means if you are fishing the incoming, be careful where you are. Crossing any creeks to get to your location, you may be stranded for a few hours till the tide drops.
This is a great thread and I think there are a lot of good points made here.
I wanted to add some comments about the new moon. Instead of starting a new thread I thought I would add to this one. I've been fishing hard the past week because of the new moon which occurred on Monday August the 1st.
Remember a few things, guys and girls...
1. The "new moon" or "full moon" is a static date in time, only. It does not signify a magic point.
2. What I'm getting at is that this time period (few days before, few days after) can be one of the most productive for fishing.
3. Lots of guys have a negative bias against the full moon. I will tell you that if you are fishing artificials, and there are phosphorescent jellyfish in the water, it will be a problem for your presentation, and you will be discouraged. However, the same holds true for a new moon. When these jellyfish are around, some type of presentation low in the water column or on the bottom is a better idea.
4. Back to the subject, the moons are good because of higher tides and stronger current. As has been said here, this allows you to fish longer and in areas of structure that otherwise might not hold fish. :drool:
5. While I said the dates are not magical, it is still a great time to fish. :fishing: You still have to find an area that holds the fish.
6. If you have a busy life, and are pressed for time, if you only went out and fished the 2 nights before and after the full and new moons, you would exponentially increase your odds of catching. Whether you do catch or not, that's up to you and the waters you fish in (which I hope you have chosen carefully) ;)
You won't be doing much surf fishing after the hurricane and this new moon. The beach will be a mess for a few days and could be dangerous. Be safe, folks.
Moon obscured by clouds - pay very close attention to the distinction between this and a full moon in a bright sky, folks...I'll try to add more to this when there is time. Meanwhile, feel free to comment...
everytime I read one of these threads I am impressed by the wealth of knowledge. Not only do you seem to love everything about fishing, you are not stuck up about sharing it. Thank you for great threads like this. I actually thought the full moon turned off the bite, but then Al McReynolds supposedly caught his trophy on the full moon, so go figure.Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkSkies
^ Me too surferman. Lots of great tips here, and dispelling of myths. New moon coming up next week. My favorite new and full moon cycle is April and May. I have always done well during those months fishing at night.
Full moon with cloud cover has been good to me.
3 days before & 3 days after are what i focus on
I am hoping for some cloud cover saturday night. They are calling this the super moon, brightest full moon in years.Quote:
Originally Posted by UrbanFishingMan
Still, I have to be out there during the full moon.
No mater how much experience you gain, there is always more to learn.
Full moon scouting at night.....It gives me a chance to see what has changed and poke and prod looking for different kinds of forage.
Yup and thats what we had last night at the End. It was some good fishing.Quote:
Originally Posted by UrbanFishingMan
full moon fishing cant stand it at all never do well at all :burn:
Last year fished Island Beach on the full moon in December, was low tide, was able to wade out to the sand bars and with the the sky being so bright it was awesome being out there. Was my last trip of the season for me, only caught one short but had an incredible time out there fishing cuts, points, troughs and wading out on the bars. Was a great night with the ocean shining from the bright moon and the sky filled with stars. Had not fished there on a night in years, forgot how awesome the place can be at that time.
Over all catching on full moon nights has been slow for me. The more clouds the better on those nights when the moon is full for me.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkSkies
I agree with you we should be fishing intensely during this period. I was out last night tho, and the fishing really sucked.:don't know why: Perfect cloud cover and the fish were on vacation. One blue and some hickory shad on bucktail and teaser.Quote:
Originally Posted by UrbanFishingMan
I like new better than full. A double kiss of death in ocean county is when you have a full moon and all that fire in the water whatever that is called. It kills the bite if you are casting when the water is clear. The only way I have been able to combat that and get fish is by throwing bunker or clams so it doesn't move around in the water too much.
Fishing the Moon Tides.....
Anyone who begins to develop an addiction to fishing...and starts to plan out their trips, as to which place they will be fishing, at which stage of the night tide....knows all too well the importance of the moon tide....
Every time I see someone claim, on the internet
"Well I didn't catch fish last night, damn full moon!" :mad:
If you are using that excuse, maybe you need to re-think your skill set, and ask yourself why you are not finding fish...because most likely it ain't the fault of the moon....:rolleyes:
1. You may want to blame fire in the water, phosphorescence...(a common occurrence during warmer months and exascerbated by the brightness of a full moon)
2. You may want to blame lack of bait, forage....all good reasons for fish not to be there...
3. You may want to accept that there are less fish around than there used to be, even at night,
4. You may want to consider that with all the new guys in the game today, there are less fish to go around for us all.
5. You may want to consider that weather or storm patterns have affected migration in your area...
All of the above would be valid reasons why you may not catch duriing a full moon trip...but if they are not factors...please don't blame the moon.....
The one caveat is that I try to be more cautious in my movements at the waters edge, during a full moon...because I know if fish are in close, they can see me,,,and my movements might spook them....
For a full moon trip, I'm most happy when there is a "full moon obscured by clouds".
The cloud cover gives me more confidence, and knowledge that if the fish are spooky that night, they will be less wary with the cloud cover...again...this is just my experience,,,yours may be different....
Fishing during the moon tides....
There are a whole host of things to get excited about.....
1. Many major bait migrations or movements occur during moon tides.
2. One needs to only briefly scan the internet fishing reports to see terms like "June New Moon" and "October Harvest Moon" as times of great anticipation among fishermen...and times of great bait migration and movement....
3. Even without a major bait migration, whatever bait that is available, will be on the move, and at a much faster rate, in the rivers, bays, ocean, and inlets and inlet points,,,
4. The rapidness with which this bait moves, tends to have it disoriented and less organized in areas of stronger current or turbulence...
5. This presents perfect ambush opportunities for predators to feed aggressively on fish that may previously have been harder to catch....
6. With the predators being more active, you, the fisherman who studies these things, has more opportunity to catch them.
As you get more into the game, and see fishing as a challenge of opportunities and openings, it becomes like a big strategy game.....if your strategy is correct you are a genius and will find fish when no one else seems to be able to...if your strategy fails.....you are just another loser, with a fishing addiction...:laugh:
The best of the best know this....there is a video where Bill Wetzel talks about the conditions that drive him to be out there....
He describes sitting at work...and the feeling that a particular weather pattern, will bring bigger fish to the beach.....making for the possibility of a great night ......
I have these same compulsions driving me too....
How many others out there, have felt this as well? :drool:
The times, when you know, you just HAVE to be out there.....