Let's talk about Full Moon Surf Fishing (and New Moon as well....)

[DarkSkies]

So do ya bag it all when it's a full moon?

Stay home and watch the Series?

Examine the lint between your toes? Look for fromunda cheese?

Or just spend some quality time with the family?

[DarkSkies]

"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.

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.

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.

So let's hear what you guys and girls think, and about your experiences, no right or wrong answers here.

[DarkSkies]

I'm not just happy to fish, I have to analyze everything the next morning.

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?

[DarkSkies]

Another go to guy is my friend and fishin maniac Zimno, AKA the Demented Weatherman, the King of Photochop.

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 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!


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.

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.

[clamchucker]

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.

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.

[Frankiesurf]

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.

[nitestrikes]

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.

[stripercrazy]

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.

Fish are all on vacation during the full moon. Might as well stay home.

[storminsteve]

So do ya bag it all when it's a full moon?

Stay home and watch the Series?

Examine the lint between your toes? Look for fromunda cheese?

Or just spend some quality time with the family?

Fromunda cheese? Got pics?

[fishinmission78]

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.

[finchaser]

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.

What he said

[DarkSkies]

Fishing the Supermoon....

The recent June Super New Moon presented a great opportunity to fish....

As explained in other threads,
http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...ed=1#post70701

the new and full moon tides put more baitfish on the move, and more opportunities for predators to ambush and feed on them....

However, the extreme high and low, and stronger current flow, meant that folks out there fishing needed to change it up a bit, and change their timing....

Without giving it all away, I want to put it out there, that particularly during the strongest moon tides, like the one we just had, timing, and where you were at what stage of the tide, was key to success.....you can learn all of this, by keeping your own log, and making good notes....

[DarkSkies]

the new and full moon tides put more baitfish on the move, and more opportunities for predators to ambush and feed on them....

However, the extreme high and low, and stronger current flow, meant that folks out there fishing needed to change it up a bit, and change their timing....

Something I posted today about fishing the moon tides.....

IMO one of the most important things to back bay fishing right now is the moon phase. We are coming off the new moon, a key time to be out there, good for you for recognizing.
Since you mentioned bait all over, let's assume (even though you didn't have success,) that there could be some bass around)

Where would they be?
My answer is the most likely place would be the structure you were talking about. I think you can figure out the specifics by yourself. When the fishing is slow, I go right to the place where I know the most likelihood of fish are....and for me, that's structure with lights and shadow lines.

A problem with fishing that in moon tides is that the fishing can be better or worse, you have to learn each spot, as to what is optimal.

**I do notice, that for me, this "feeding window" changes during moon tides, and I have to adjust my fishing times and presentation at each area accordingly.


2. However, overconfidence, will sometimes get in the way of adaptibility, which IMO is the mark of a consistent fisherman.



4. What that means to me, if I see bait and no fish, is I have to be ready to move on to the next spot.
But....before I do,
a. I ask myself am I at the best place for presentation, at this stage of the tide?
b. Am I working the best part of the water column, where they are most likely to be?
I know you said you worked all levels, but in my last trips out, fishing structure, 80% of my fish have come on the bottom.
You said you were throwing rubber and jigs, but didn't mention small bucktails.
Last time I was out, I was not successful for awhile. I was throwing rubber shads, the 4 and 5" kind, no action at all.

I downsized to ball head jig with white curly tail.
** Note, for me this is one of the most effective things to get fish to hit, even better than zooms, because if they are feeding on very small bait they can't resist the curly tail. This will often pick up fish for me when they won't touch anything else.

I had almost immediate action on this, but only because I was bouncing on the bottom. If I was even 3 feet up from the bottom there was no action. Of course, depending on where you fish you may lose a lot of gear this way. Which is why many fishermen don't like to fish bottom. I change jig size and weight to accomodate different stages of the tide. Otherwise I know I don't have a real chance at staying where the fish are for that night, once I find them.









Hope this helps.,...with the final thought.,,,,,
When what worked yesterday does not....you have to really ask yourself...
1. Should I move on?
2. Am I really targeting where the fish are most likely to be, for tonight?

**(One quick note about structure...to me shadow lines are less important than stage of the tide....I have found during different stages fish will gravitate toward one side or the other....if you are not working both sides, and making notes in your log about when the bite changes, you will miss a big part of the picture, and will miss the bigger, solitary fish, that you might not know are there)

[bababooey]

Fromunda cheese? Got pics?

You sure you want to see pics of that? You're not gay, are you?


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!"

[storminsteve]

No I have a fascination with the gross and unusual. Any problem with that? Why would you ask a question like that?

[bababooey]

No I have a fascination with the gross and unusual. Any problem with that? Why would you ask a question like that?

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.

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.

[rockhopper]

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.

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.

Boy there are some sick people on here! I know ebaums but I went to the others, the sickness knows no limits!

[dogfish]

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!"

My life is so much more complete now that I know all about fromunda cheese, thanks.

[hookset]

For some reason I have always done better with bait during a full moon. Maybe that's just me.

[dogfish]

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.