Fishing is a pastime for many, successful anglers must understand the relationship between the various celestial bodies and the behavior of fish. In this article, we will delve into the specific connection between majors, minors, and moon phases or positions in regard to distance from the earth. Plus how understanding these factors can greatly improve your fishing success.
The best fishing time charts you find are based on the moon’s influence. The information is helpful if you use it properly. It by itself will not improve fishing success. The times are when there is potential for catching more fish or bigger fish. Musky anglers use the major and minor to plan their day on the water.
Using these times does not replace fishing in the morning or evening. Fish will prefer the morning and evening regardless of the moon’s influence. The amount of light entering the water is a factor. Fish go deeper or into heavier cover in high light. Mornings and evenings have less light going into the water.
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The Importance of Majors
Majors refer to the major tidal movements that occur twice daily. These tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on the earth’s oceans. Fish are highly attuned to these major movements, as they often signal the ideal feeding times.
During a major, fish will typically move towards shallower waters to feed. As such, it’s crucial to be fishing in these areas during a major tide. Wildlife feeds for 1 hour before and after the peak in warmer conditions. In colder conditions, the time extends to 1 1/2 hours before and after.
Understand fish will be in deeper water or heavier cover during a daylight major. It is ideal if the major occurs at sunrise or sunset. The night-time majors impact fish with nocturnal tendencies. Walleye, catfish, and a few other species will be more active.
The Role of Minors
While majors are the more significant tidal movements, minors should not be overlooked. Minors refer to the smaller tidal movements that occur in between the major tides. These tides are not as strong as majors, but they can still greatly impact fishing success.
The minors are the moonrise and moonset. The moon’s rising and setting vary throughout the year and each month. You want to look at when these align with the sunrise and sunset. The moon rising and setting will stay close to the sunrise and sunset for a few days. Extending feeding times for a part of the month.
Fish behavior during a minor tide will vary depending on the species. Some fish, such as panfish, will move towards shallower waters during a minor tide, while others, such as larger gamefish, will remain in deeper waters. As such, it’s important to be familiar with the specific behavior of the fish you’re targeting.
The majors or minors are about when the moon is in a different position. Do not confuse the majors and minors with the phases of the moon.
The Effect of Moon Phases
Fish are more active during the full and new moon phases. In addition to the lunar phase, fishing during a full moon at night can be particularly productive. Using the phases with the majors and minors helps with the odds of success. You are adding more positive factors to your fishing effort. It’s important to consult a lunar calendar and plan your fishing trips accordingly.
Weather
A bigger influence on fishing is the weather. A steady or rising barometric pressure helps fishing. If the pressure is falling it is tougher to get bites. The pressure falls prior to rainstorms and other inclement weather. You will hear it referred to as a cold front. During cold front conditions, you likely need to slow down when fishing.
Prior to changes in the weather and pressure. Clouds will form resulting in less sun. Lower levels of sun reduce the light penetration into the water. The fish will leave the deeper water and heavier cover. They take advantage of these days to feed more often.
After periods of rainfall, the water gets dirtier with particles suspended in it. This is water clarity, another issue to watch. In addition, the water levels will rise in many bodies of water. These conditions have fish move into shallower water and out of heavy cover.
Conclusions
In conclusion, majors, minors, and moon phases all play various amount roles in determining fishing success. By understanding the specific behaviors and patterns associated with each factor, you can improve your chances of a catch. Remember to always consult a lunar calendar and pay attention to the major and minor tides, as well as the phase of the moon in the sky.
There are days when the moon and other factors are not going to align with your fishing. Go anyway as some fish will feed more often especially during late spring through early fall. The moon’s influence and other conditions only have some impact. On improving your odds of more catches and bigger fish.