NJ Moon Phases for Fishing

New Jersey Moon Phases

While it is true that everyone sees the same phases of the moon on the same day regardless of global location, the best fishing periods in the state of New Jersey will be based on the moonrise and moonset times in this particular location. The times given in a New Jersey moon phase calendar should be specific to your longitude, latitude and current time zone.

If you are wondering how New Jersey moon phases can improve your chances of fishing success in freshwater or saltwater, consider a few facts and theories.

1. When saltwater fishing in New Jersey, it is a fact that the amount of tidal movement will be dictated by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon combined. When the pull of both occurs during a new moon or full moon, the tidal range is at its maximum. As a result, there is more current, baitfish will be more active, and there will be more game fish feeding.
2. In saltwater or freshwater fishing situations, when a moonrise or a moonset occurs during either a new moon or a full moon, the theory is that you can expect significantly heightened feeding activity. By choosing times to fish when the sunrise/sunset and moonrise/moonset coincide with the new or full moon phases, the greater your chances for a successful day.
3. Largemouth bass and other freshwater sunfish species have spawning periods that correspond with a full moon during the spring months. These species often feed heavily in the days leading up to a spawning period, which is beneficial information for anglers to note.

Try planning a couple of your upcoming fishing trips by taking these points into account, and see if you notice a difference based on your own experience.

New Jersey Moon Phase Calendar Tips

Now that you understand more about how a New Jersey moon phase calendar or solunar table can help you determine optimal fishing days and times, here are a few additional tips:
 

• Always incorporate weather forecasts in conjunction with a solunar table when planning a New Jersey fishing trip. While solunar tables or moon phase fishing charts may suggest an increase in activity due to the approach of a full or new moon, keep in mind that weather conditions will also play a role. For example, in cloudy or inclement weather conditions wildlife may not be as active.
• If you use a solunar or moon phase fishing calendar, make sure that the calendar is specific to your location in New Jersey. In other words, find an online solunar calendar that provides data based on the city or zip code where you will be fishing.
• Know that major solunar periods are two hours long, while minor periods are one hour long. For major periods, you should be at your fishing spot in New Jersey an hour prior to the indicated time. For minor periods, you should be at your fishing location at least a half hour in advance.
• In addition to weather, location has an influence on the success of fishing during peak moon phases. You should still have a good idea of NJ spots where fish are known to feed on a regular basis.

Whether you want to fish for striped bass near Delaware Bay or catch bluegill on Lake Hopatcong, knowing the New Jersey moon phases can help you decide when to take your trip and potentially improve your catch rates.