Is Full Moon Fishing Good Or Bad? Moon Phase Tips For Night Anglers

The full moon hung like a silver dollar over Lake Travis as I pushed my kayak off the launch at 3 AM. My buddy Jake thought I was crazy - "Nobody catches bass under a full moon," he'd said. Four hours and 23 smallmouth later, including a personal best 5-pounder, I had the last laugh. But here's the thing: the very next month, same moon phase, same spot, I got completely skunked.

After 15 years of chasing fish under every moon phase imaginable, I've learned that full moon fishing isn't simply good or bad - it's complicated. The moon affects everything from tidal movements to insect hatches, and understanding these patterns can mean the difference between your best day on the water and going home empty-handed.

I've spent countless nights paddling under full moons from the Everglades to Puget Sound, testing theories and taking notes. Some nights the fishing under the full moon produces non-stop action. Other times, it's like someone flipped a switch and shut the bite completely off. The key is knowing which scenario you're walking into before you even launch your kayak.

Understanding Moon Phases and Fish Behavior

Let me break down what's actually happening when that big bright orb lights up the night sky. The moon goes through eight distinct phases, but the four main ones that matter for fishing are:

• New Moon: Zero illumination (the "dark" moon)
• First Quarter: Half illuminated (waxing)
• Full Moon: Completely illuminated
• Last Quarter: Half illuminated (waning)

During my time guiding on the Texas coast, I noticed distinct patterns emerging. The full moon fishing effect varies dramatically between species and locations. For instance, redfish in the shallow flats become almost impossible to catch during bright full moon nights - they can see your lure coming from 50 feet away. But move to deeper channels where pedal kayaks give you stealth advantages, and those same reds feed aggressively in the moving water.

The Science Behind Full Moon Fish Activity

Here's what the moon actually does to affect fishing:

Gravitational Pull: Creates stronger tides during full and new moons (spring tides) Light Levels: Increases nighttime visibility for both predators and prey Biological Rhythms: Triggers spawning and feeding cycles in many species Insect Activity: Causes massive hatches that create feeding frenzies

I learned about the insect connection the hard way during a full moon fishing at night trip on Lake Okeechobee. The mayfly hatch was so thick I couldn't see my fish finder screen. But underneath that cloud of bugs? Absolute pandemonium as bass gorged themselves silly.

Is Fishing Better During Full Moon? The Truth

Here's my honest take after tracking my catches across moon phases for over a decade: is fishing better during full moon periods? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. But I can predict which it'll be with about 80% accuracy now.

When Full Moon Fishing Excels?

Moving Water Scenarios: The stronger currents during spring tides concentrate baitfish and activate predators. I've had my best days fishing before full moon (2-3 days prior) when the tide is building. Last spring on the Potomac River, the white perch run coincided with the full moon, and my best fish finder for kayak looked like a video game screen.

Night Feeders: Catfish, walleye, and striped bass often prefer the illumination. They can hunt more effectively when they can see. During a recent trip to Lake Texoma, the stripers were busting shad on the surface all night under the full moon - something that rarely happens in darkness.

Spawning Species: Many fish time their reproduction to moon phases. Grunion runs in California, snook in Florida, and coral spawning events all sync with full moons. If you time it right, the fishing can be legendary.

When Full Moon Hurts Your Chances?

Clear, Shallow Water: Fish become spooky when they can see everything. I've watched bass in 3 feet of water scatter from my kayak shadow 30 feet away during full moons. In these conditions, you need to be extra stealthy - this is where proper kayak weight distribution matters for a quiet approach.

Heavily Pressured Waters: On popular lakes, fish learn that full moon = more anglers. They've seen every lure in the tackle shop by moonlight. You need to show them something different or fish during off-peak hours.

Post-Spawn Periods: After fish spawn on the full moon, they often go into recovery mode. I've seen lakes that were on fire during the spawn completely shut down for a week afterward.

Full Moon Fishing Tips That Actually Work

After getting my butt kicked by full moon conditions more times than I care to admit, I've developed strategies that consistently produce:

1. Go Deep or Go Home

When surface fishing dies under bright moonlight, drop your presentation down. Fish often suspend at specific depths to ambush prey silhouetted against the moon. My go-to full moon fishing tips for tough conditions:

• Drop shot in 15-25 feet over structure
• Deep diving crankbaits along channel edges
• Carolina rigs dragged super slow
• Vertical jigging spoons for suspended fish

2. Fish the Shadows

This seems obvious, but most anglers don't commit to it properly. During full moons, shadows from docks, bridges, and overhanging trees become fish magnets. I once caught 14 largemouth bass from under a single dock on Lake Austin during a full moon - every cast to the shadowed side produced, while the moonlit side was dead.

3. Downsize Everything

Bright conditions = better fish vision = pickier fish. When the moon's bright, I drop down at least one line size and lure size. My full moon tackle adjustments:

• 6lb fluorocarbon instead of 10lb
• 3" plastics instead of 5"
• Size 1 hooks instead of 2/0
• Natural colors over bright patterns

4. Time Your Trips Precisely

The full moon for fishing doesn't mean you should fish all night. The best bite windows I've documented:

• Moonrise: First hour as moon breaks horizon
• Moon Overhead: When moon reaches highest point
• Pre-Dawn: Hour before sunrise when moon is setting
• Midday: Surprising, but major solunar period occurs at noon during full moon

Night Fishing Strategies for Full Moon Success

Let me share what I've learned about full moon fishing at night from thousands of hours on dark water. Safety comes first - always gear up properly. Check out night kayaking safety guidelines before heading out.

Essential Night Fishing Gear

• 360-degree white light: Legal requirement and safety essential
• Headlamp with red filter: Preserves night vision
• Glow sticks: Mark rod tips and important gear
• Quality PFD: Non-negotiable for night paddling
• Waterproof phone case: Emergency communication

Productive Night Patterns

Surface Action: During summer full moons, topwater action can be insane. I use black buzzbaits and Jitterbugs - the silhouette stands out perfectly against the bright sky. On Lake Fork last July, I boated 8 bass over 4 pounds between midnight and 3 AM on a black Zara Spook.

Dock Lights: Combine artificial light with moonlight for a double whammy. Baitfish stack up in the light, predators lurk in the shadows. Skip soft plastics or suspending jerkbaits along the light line.

Current Breaks: Moving water at night during full moon is money. Position behind bridge pilings, channel markers, or current breaks. Fish face upstream waiting for the current to deliver easy meals.

Moon Phase Myths vs Reality

Let's bust some common full moon fishing facts and fiction I hear at every boat ramp:

Myth: Fish Don't Bite During Full Moons

Reality: They bite differently, not less. You need to adjust tactics, not give up. Some of my best catches came during full moons once I learned the patterns.

Myth: Only Fish at Night During Full Moon

Reality: Daytime major solunar periods during full moons can be incredible. When the moon is directly underfoot at noon, big fish often feed heavily.

Myth: All Fish Act the Same During Full Moon

Reality: Species respond differently. While bass might be tough in the shallows, catfish could be having a feeding frenzy in deep holes.

Myth: Full Moon Guarantees Good Fishing

Reality: It's one factor among many. Weather fronts, water temperature, and seasonal patterns often override moon phase.

Seasonal Full Moon Considerations

The full moon fishing effect changes dramatically with seasons:

Spring Full Moons

Prime time for many species. Bass move shallow to spawn, crappie stack up on brush, and white bass run up rivers. I plan my whole spring calendar around full moons. The combination of warming water and moon phase triggers incredible action.

Summer Full Moons

Night fishing shines (pun intended). Daytime can be tough with bright conditions and hot water. Focus on low-light periods and deep structure during the day. This is when a quality bilge pump becomes essential for those pre-dawn launches.

Fall Full Moons

Baitfish migrations often peak around full moons. Schools of shad move shallow, and predators follow. Some of my best topwater days happened during October full moons when bass were destroying shad schools.

Winter Full Moons

Cold water slows metabolism, but full moon periods still see increased activity. Fish the warmest part of the day during major solunar periods. Deep, slow presentations work best.

Location-Specific Full Moon Strategies

Tidal Waters

Full moon spring tides create the strongest currents of the month. Fish stack up at ambush points:

• Creek mouths during outgoing tide
• Deep holes on incoming tide
• Current breaks and eddies
• Grass bed edges where bait gets swept past

Natural Lakes

Without tidal influence, focus on:

• Wind-blown points during full moon nights
• Deep weed edges where fish suspend
• Shallow feeding flats during low-light periods
• Offshore humps during midday major periods

Rivers

Current + moon phase = feeding triggers:

• Tail-outs of pools at night
• Current seams below dams
• Slack water eddies behind structure
• Shallow gravel bars during dawn/dusk

Reservoirs

Man-made structure becomes crucial:

• Bridge pilings create shadow/light contrasts
• Marina docks hold baitfish at night
• Dam faces during generation periods
• Creek channel bends with moving water

Making the Most of Moon Phases

I track every fishing trip in a journal - date, moon phase, weather, and results. After 15 years, clear patterns emerged that helped me plan trips around fishing before full moon periods for best results. The 3 days leading up to full moon consistently outproduce the full moon itself.

Here's my planning strategy:

1. Check moon phase calendar 2025 months in advance
2. Note major and minor solunar periods
3. Cross-reference with tide charts (coastal)
4. Factor in seasonal patterns
5. Plan trips 2-3 days before full/new moon

FAQ Section

Can full moon fishing be good during the day?

Absolutely! Major solunar periods occur during daylight hours when the moon is directly overhead or underfoot. I've caught some of my biggest bass at noon during full moons. The key is fishing deeper structure where bright conditions don't spook fish.

Why do fish feed more during a full moon?

Increased light allows predators to hunt more efficiently, while stronger tides (in coastal areas) move more baitfish. The gravitational pull also triggers biological rhythms that increase activity levels. However, this varies greatly by species and location.

What's the best moon phase for bass fishing?

In my experience, 2-3 days before the full or new moon produces best results for bass. The building moon phase seems to trigger feeding without the extreme brightness that can shut down shallow bites. During spawn, target the full moon itself.

Should I use different lures during a full moon?

Yes, adjust your presentation for bright conditions. Use more natural colors, smaller profiles, and quieter retrieves. Dark colored topwaters create better silhouettes at night. During the day, go with more subtle, natural patterns.

Is full moon surf fishing any good?

Full moon surf fishing can be excellent due to stronger tides bringing bait close to shore. Fish the two hours before and after high tide for best results. The increased water movement stirs up sand fleas and other prey.

Do all fish species react the same to moon phases?

No, responses vary dramatically. Catfish often feed more aggressively during full moons, while spooky species like permit become nearly impossible to catch in bright conditions. Know your target species' preferences.

What safety precautions should I take for full moon night fishing?

Always wear a PFD, use proper navigation lights, carry emergency communication, and let someone know your plans. I also recommend waterproof storage for essential gear and a buddy system when possible.

How do moon phases affect freshwater vs saltwater fishing?

Saltwater fishing sees more dramatic effects due to tides. Freshwater relies more on the light levels and biological triggers. Both can be good, but saltwater anglers must factor in tidal movement along with moon phase.

Final Thoughts

After all these years chasing fish under every moon phase, I've learned that the full moon fishing effect is real but complex. It's not about whether full moon fishing is universally good or bad - it's about understanding how your target species in your specific waters respond to the conditions.

The anglers who consistently catch fish during full moons aren't lucky - they're adaptable. They recognize that bright nights require different tactics than dark ones. They know that a full moon rising over clear, shallow flats might send bass running for cover, while that same moon over a deep channel edge might trigger the best bite of the month.

My advice? Don't let moon phase dictate whether you go fishing - use it to determine how you fish. Some of my most memorable catches came during "terrible" moon phases when I was the only one on the water. The fish are always there; you just need to figure out what they want.

Keep a fishing log, pay attention to patterns, and don't be afraid to experiment. That full moon that everyone says is bad for fishing? It might just produce your personal best if you approach it right.

Now get out there and put these full moon fishing tips to work. The moon is waiting, and so are the fish. See you on the water!