Full Moon and Night fishing

[fishingRED]

I am planning to go out and do some fishing, but I wanted to get some input on how good is fishing during a full moon. Better or worst or has no impact. I ve been reading that winter bite is on during dark ours, so I want to give it a try this year, but first time out so just wanted to know a little more info. Or should I stick to fishing during the day... Any reccomendations will help.

Thanks

[Curmudgeon]

Great questions! I'll be glued to this thread!

[dPop]

You can really keep it simple by considering a couple things. Think about when your major and minor feeding periods fall during a full moon. Also think about what your tides do during a full moon. Knowing the area you are fishing and how the fish react to these factors are key. I say fish day or night but know and understand the area your fishing.

[fishingRED]

nEW AREA SO HAVE NO CLUE. I will have some kind of feeling after today...

[JimD]

Know your area. Fishing some of the reefs and big flats are usually safe if you shuffle.

Wading SLP or Offats or other areas with deep drop offs can be tricky at night when everything looks the same esp if fishing a new moon..

[Explorer21]

Don't over think it. I look at tides more then anything and just know the area before going in the dark. I DO NOT recommend SLP area at night unless you are an expert in that area, there are too many deep guts and the current is really bad around there.

Have fun and be safe, send a report whatever you do.

[Robalo]

More tidal movement during full and new moons generally. My "FishingTime" Casio shows "4 Fish days" during full and new Moons. Dpop is referring to solunar tables and tidal movements, not just shell/mud and dropoffs-but Mike and JimD's points are worthy of heeding-you couldn't pay me enuf (well, yes you could but it'd be alot) to wade SLP area at night and the drop-offs would be one of the least of my concerns-can you say "Bigazz Bull Sharks"?

[Swells]

I agree with Robalo - get a boat for working the passes at night and be real careful. Wade fishing that kind of ground at night is insane. You can try setting some shark lines like with a 'yak if you want.

Not sure about you guys to the north, but our stronger tides are just after the full moon on the spring tide. I have generally found a full-full moon better for navigating at night than catching fish. You might get some action before this weekend's big cold front comes down ... don't be caught with your pants down when that baby comes rolling in, LOL.

[fishingRED]

More tidal movement during full and new moons generally. My "FishingTime" Casio shows "4 Fish days" during full and new Moons. Dpop is referring to solunar tables and tidal movements, not just shell/mud and dropoffs-but Mike and JimD's points are worthy of heeding-you couldn't pay me enuf (well, yes you could but it'd be alot) to wade SLP area at night and the drop-offs would be one of the least of my concerns-can you say "Bigazz Bull Sharks"?

Dont like the shrak thing!!!!!!!!

I will be fishing from kayak, mirrodine XL, ctch 5, and Corkies and locating the drop off using my paddle. Im sure ill be safe. Thanks for the input, Ill see how it goes, hopefully I do as good as I want to do (limit of trout and maybe one over 28in, to cpr.. so far my biggest is 22in, but tonight it might change!!!!!!!!!!)

I also get to use my new new lure box!!!

[Curmudgeon]

Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

[wishbone]

Yeah, get ur done!

[JimD]

Winter or night kayaking I always wear my real life jacket vs my inflatable.

Depending on which 360 you have I would try to put a bigger light on the kayak too.
Even though I still take care of three of the TKF board and run my BC more I still have a REAL good 360 for the kayak and the Baby Cat esp if wading out away from the kayak.

We have been doing some night fishing and have not see a lot of boats but who is it to say there may be some boats out.

[OR19]

I try and hit the nighttime wintertime bite quite a bit, BUT i only wade areas that I learned first in the daylight. Carry a good light and a backup, and a compass, some nasty fog can show up in a flash this time of year...I'm talking almost zero visability in the dark. As for the fishing for me they always seems to bite right before/at dark, then the bite shuts down and picks up sometime in the next 30-60 minutes if they are going to feed after dark. Good luck.

[plugger]

Safer to use the yak.... if you have never fished at night , you will surprised how difficult it is to get your bearings and know where you are at night even with the light of a full moon than during the day . It's best to fish an area you are familiar with and even then it's more difficult to see landmarks . Wadeing alone which I have done can be a tad nerve wracking....your hearing is heightened and every little splash by a mullet or sound sounds like jaws is next to you . The yak is best having your little behind out of the water . It's best always to have a pardner with you . But, it is quiet ..no boat traffic and no one in your honeyhole . For me , I've fished from sundown to sunup and have found that the fish turn on at sundown and sunup and not much happening all night !! I've done this only in the heat of summer . But , I've read articles about successful night fishing . Wear a PFD !! Good luck !!

[fishingRED]

My night trip turned out to a partial night trip. I caught my pb red fish 27 inch 6.5 lb. Posted report in Kayak forum. I will definately be doing this again, hopefully all summer. I am thinking about getting a gps, because the fog issue is a major concern for me. Thanks for all the input....