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Full moon coming up and I always like to put in a few night shifts for the cats when the seas are calm and there is a bright moon. I have never noticed a decrease in the action for catfish during a full moon. I know the full moon has a dampening effect on the bite for some of the more delicate fishes but does it make all fish less likely to be on the feed? Would be interested in the observations of others with regard to catfish biting or not biting during a full moon. Again, my experience is that it does not have a negative effect on the kitties. Thoughts??
The full moon has a very positive effect on me. When I'm out at night there is something about the solitude and quiet on the water that just makes the experience all the better. I always take my cell phone with me but I have learned to leave it off. Had mine on and in my shirt pocket as ordered to do so my wife so she could check up on me. I was enjoying all the ambient pleasures of midnight fishing when my phone went off and scared the bejeepers out of me. Had to thump my chest a couple times to get the ticker going again.
Enough prattle... your thoughts on full moon fishing for catfish??
BLK
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I think weather patterns are more effective on the cat bite. Last night the cats didn't start for me till the moon light hit the water and then it was game on. Seems like the day bite can taper off for me during moonlight nights, but again I think weather drives the bite for me. Later J
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Will change my original question to a statement: The full moon has little or no effect on cat feeding schedules. I fished last night and the bite was on until I ran out of carp meat around midnight.
Water temp up to 57 degrees.
BLK
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When I go fishing at night for any species it seems like when there is little to no moon is when I do best. But I would also like to know if there is any effect of the moon phases on the fish. When I am cat fishing I have caught some of my biggest fish during the day mostly.
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How did you do this morning, I think it was you I followed under the freeway this morning almost just kept following.
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[#0000FF]Glad to hear you are having fun frolicking in the moonlight. And glad the kitties are humoring you.
I no longer fish at night as much as I used to. But I have spent many a moonlit night fishing for many species...cats included. I have made only about two observations: 1. It is easier to see without a headlamp in the moonlight. 2. It is easier for the mosquitoes to find you in the moonlight. Hate skeeters.
As far as catfish and moonlight, all I can say is that I believe there are several other factors that are more important in whether the fish are active or not. If the water is warming, during a period of nice weather in the spring, the cats will be more active all day. If it is cold and blowing...and water temps are dropping...both fish and fishermen tend to be less active.
That being said, there are times during the hottest days of summer than cats are likely to be more active after dark than during the heat of the day. And I don't think the moonlight has much to do with it. But it is fun to be able to watch a bobber come to life in the moonlight and go cruising across the surface...before it takes a dive.
In waters that have enough clarity for cats to hunt by sight, they do actively hunt live prey...both in the daylight and after dark. I am sure that bright moonlight helps...even if they do have sensitive lateral lines and super sniffers.
In my cynical old man's view, I believe that no matter what set of environmental, atmospheric or astrological situations you come up with there will be some with opinions on whether they are good or bad for fishing...for one species or another. And the more folks you ask, the more opinions they will be. Some might even be close to right.
Now when it comes to what affect "moonshine" might have on anglers. Well, that is a differment type question.
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It's nice tonight alot of white bass 1 large mouth one other boat , the wader just got an eye. One of these times for sure.can't be on opposite schedules forever
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White bass out in front of the orchard? I noticed a bunch of pelicans and other fish eater type birds hanging around that area. Thought it might be the wb starting to show up. I need a few wb for bait. May have to go that way and get out my Tube Dude RC killer... deadly on wb.
Yep, we will converge one of these days. I have your "first 30 incher" prize in my boat ready to hand off.
Fun times coming.
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