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

[dogfish]

The full moon is coming in a few days, get your bait set ups ready.

[lostatsea]

Yeah, the surf has been way high the last 2 days.

[surferman]

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?

[ledhead36]

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.

[DarkSkies]

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.
5. While I said the dates are not magical, it is still a great time to fish. 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)

[clamchucker]

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.

[DarkSkies]

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...

[surferman]

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)

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.

[skinner]

^ 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.