Moonphases for February 2007

All my fishing life I heard from all the old timers, both boat and shore anglers alike, first recommended being in good water upon rise or setting of either moon or sun. Dusk or dawn, be there. But sometimes, especially during tournaments, that's impossible. When the competitors are off the lake the locals swarm in and catch the big fish out of key holes come sun down. Fortunately there's the alternative, rising or setting of the moon, which can happen at noon. We always wanted to be on our best water right before those times of day.

If a low pressure front happens about that time, all the better.

Then comes moon phase. Just before and for 4 days following either full or new moon, all the better. You either believe it or not. I haven't seen much data confirming any of the above, but have come to believe in it. Combine stormy weather with a full moon setting at dusk, far out! But, there remains the fact that few would dispute, some of the best bassing happens right before any storm.

Last and least, to me, is major or minor feeding period. Sometimes that works. If I see terrestrial animals cuing their feeding with either, I expect a feeding frenzy. If that happens at moon setting or rising, full or new moon, I won't go home unless bleeding dangerously. If nothing is happening during a major or minor, I fish on anyway, and can blame poor catching on a solunar table ;D

Jim