What Is the Best Time of Month to Fish in Saltwater?

Saltwater fishing during the new moon can increase your success.

If you have a few days of vacation and want to plan a saltwater fishing trip, planning the time of the month to go can greatly improve your fishing success. Schedule the trip to coincide with the new moon.

History

Going out to fish right after high tide can help ensure a great haul.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, folklore around 1900 abounded with local beliefs about the best time for fishing. John Alden Knight began a study of the various factors that could influence when fish and wildlife are most active. From this, he developed the "solunar" tables, named after the sun and the moon.

Fishing Results

Both fresh and saltwater anglers began to plan their fishing trips around these tables, and noticed that fish were more active not only during certain times of the day, but also during specific moon phases. Fish were most active during and immediately following the new moon and the full moon.

Best Saltwater Times

Fish increase their night feeding during the full moon.

Fishing Hot Spots says that if you fish during the period of the new moon you will catch more fish. Time your fishing for just after both high tide and low tide, says Cape Cod. Fish can see better at night during the full moon, so your catch rate improves during the new moon when the feed more during daylight.

References

• CapeCod: Fishing
• Fishing Hot Spots: The Best Fishing Time
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Solunar Theory

Resources

• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Solunar Theory