Fishing Calendar Tips

Fishing calendars provide predictions on when there will be increases in fish activity based on the influence of the moon and sun. The theory behind a solunar calendar is that fish tend to feed more actively during peak solunar periods when the gravitational force of the moon and the sun is the strongest. Although, it's important to remember that good decisions about the best times to fish aren't based on a single theory, but rather on multiple factors. Weather, tides, and barometric pressure are examples of other factors to consider when planning a fishing trip.

HOW TO USE A SOLUNAR CALENDAR

You can find a solunar fishing calendar online or buy a Farmers’ Almanac fishing calendar. If you look at a solunar calendar for a particular month, you will notice that the strongest feeding activity is predicted on the days closest to a full moon or a new moon. During a quarter moon or a three-quarter moon, fish and wildlife activity is usually at its weakest.

When using a solunar fishing calendar to help you decide on the best times during each day to fish, you will want to look at the major and minor activity time periods.

• Major feeding periods are two hours long. The major periods are centered around the solunar time that is noted on your calendar. For example, if your solunar fishing calendar cites a major feeding period time of 6:30 A.M., you would want to be at your fishing location no later than 5:30 A.M. and keep fishing until at least 7:30 A.M.
• Minor feeding periods are one hour long, again centered on the solunar time. That means a minor period of 6:15 P.M. would require you to be there no later than 5:45 P.M. and remain until 6:45 P.M.

If you are planning a fishing trip based on the peak activity times that are listed in a solunar calendar, always remember to check and factor in the local weather conditions as well. Weather events such as cold fronts or barometric pressure fluctuations will have an overriding impact on fish feeding behavior. Once you learn how to use a combination of fishing resources to plan your trips, including solunar information, you will start to notice an increase in your catch rates.