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| I had a very knowledgable guide in central Illinois tell me this: "I would not night fish when that big old BRIGHT full moon was up though. Just keep in mind that the moon is just like the sun to muskies. Fish the moonrise and moonset but unless there is some cloud cover I would not waste my time fishing under that full moon. "
I was not aware of this. Has anyone else ever heard this or have an opinion? I would be very interested to hear. From what I know of this guide, I would almost bet my life that if were true because he is the man around here. Thanks in advance. |
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Posts: 2024
| New moon, always. And Wags, I know who you are talking about. Take his word for it, he knows that lake better than anyone I've met. If you have doubts, try it. Certainly can't hurt!
Edited by esox50 6/7/2006 11:22 AM
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Posts: 1769
Location: Algonquin, ILL | Ditto on the NEW MOON, Or any Cloudy night when the moon is out
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Posts: 1086
| I have heard this same claim being made before. I think a lot of it depends on the persons personal past experiences...and depends on the lake. If the lake is a gin clear lake...then I'd agree...that the full moon could very well act like a high sky on a high pressure day.
If the lake is a murky or stained lake...that full moon could help feeding for the fish to zero in on the bait using their eyesight in addition to using it's lateral line to pick up on the vibrations.
I think it depends on the lake and the fisherman's past experience.
I'm not here to deny any claims made by the guide in central Illinois, he/she may very well know that particular lake that they're talking about with fishing the full moon on clear nights...no doubt about that.
All I'm saying is...we've had some pretty good luck fishing clear nights with full moons on lakes with murky/stained water as well. Would I bother to fish a gin clear lake on a full moon, clear night? I dunno...if the mood struck, I'd give it a shot if nothing else was going on....musky fishing is like playing the lottery...can't win if you don't play. Fishing those conditions may not be as favorable as a new moon night or a cloudy full moon night...but I'm of the opinion that no efforts are ever wasted when musky fishing. Can't catch a fish sittin' on land around a bon fire drinkin' a beer lookin' at the big beautiful moon that's up above. 
For me...a big part of musky fishing is about being out on the water....and to be honest...there's nothing more peaceful and relaxing than being out on a lake in the middle of the night with a big, bright, clear, full moon on a clear night. It's the ultimate in relaxation. At that point...I wouldn't care if I didn't catch any muskies that night.
Edited by MACK 6/7/2006 1:33 PM
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| If you are only going to fish when the times are right you won't be fishing all that often. Life is too short to only play the odds. I have caught many fish when the conditions were not perfect. That being said, I have also been blanked when all of the the planets have been lined up. Go when you can and take what you get.
Rich |
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| My personal observations are that the first couple hours after the moon rises can be really, really dead. I've had many experiences when fish were moving and eating like crazy and then all of a sudden turned off - like a light was switched off - and that time always seems to coincide with moonrise - especially a full moon rise. Then after a few hours when the moon is up fully overhead the fish may start moving again.
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Posts: 222
Location: Hartland, WI | I don't buy it...and I do a ton of night fishing. (40+ days a year) I can say that I have caught my biggest fish at night when there was a FULL MOON.
I will take a full moon over a new moon any time.
That is just a saying that looks good written in a magazine...
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| I seem to remember catching fish under a full moon in N. WI so I say that is BUNK as a generalization. Although it certainly could be lake to lake, you will never know unless you try. |
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Posts: 2076
| " Bright Moon is like the sun?" I catch a lot of fish under bright sun - definately not a night fishing expert ...but...When you have a chance to fish....fish!!! - huge fish have been caught under almost all conditions.
Edited by IAJustin 6/7/2006 4:05 PM
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Posts: 3518
Location: north central wisconsin | I used to read into the new moon, or dark moon thing a little too strongly when choosing my nights to fish. Now we just go out whenever we get the chance, and see that there are windows, no matter the moon phase or level in the sky. We have also found that weather trumps the moon every time, and a hot humid night with some wind, and a bright moon, will be a back drop for a big fish photo every year at some point. I think it is somewhat lake specific, and we have done better in Canada and darker flowages under brighter moons for the most part, but we have done well on clear waters too in the moonlight. The first hour or two after it tops the trees seems best, but that is only a generality at best too. Every year things change just a bit, and one just needs to get out there and do it. But, to not go fishing because the moon is up, or quit when it comes up, is a mistake. One thing for sure, the big fish seem to go a bit down the unbeaten path in the first place. I need to learn how to better travel these paths!
Edited by Reef Hawg 6/7/2006 4:54 PM
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Posts: 626
Location: ashtabula ohio | always an interesting topic...lol i still feel much more confident with a new moon fishin for any species but have also learned its not a given. the quote by reef hawg "the weather always trumps the moon" is a great testimonial to any moon theories...and like rich said, just go when you can go, and life is too short... with that being said , yesterday i raised the biggest fish ive ever seen in my local lake in bluebird skies and powerboats everywhere...and two other low 40s fish,and its not near any significant moon phase at all right now. but i still use moon phases, WHEN i can... |
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