All About Bass Fishing - Guide To Considering The Impact Of Lunar Tables

It is a proven fact that the moon has an influence on the earth and many species of wildlife. Our focus here is to understand how the moon cycle may impact your bass fishing. The net result is that bass are influenced to accelerate their feeding at various times of the day, based on the position of the moon.

3 Most Important Factors About Lunar Tables

The phases of the moon can have an impact on when and how aggressively bass feed.
This effect is somewhat limited as other factors can override the lunar influence.
Be on your best spot during prime lunar fishing times.

Feeding times may be influenced by the effects of the moon.

There are four basic feeding times during the day for bass, based on the influence of the moon. Two are major feeding times and two are minor. The major feeds occur when the moon is directly overhead and when it is directly underfoot. The two minor feeds occur when the moon is 90 degrees from these, roughly on the horizon as it rises, then again as it sets. You can see daily lunar/solar tables at many fishing websites which define the daily feeding times. These tables also rate these days of the month for projected feeding activity levels per day, based on the influence of the moon.

Little is known as to why this happens but enough studies lend credence to the concept that it should be considered. What is important for bass anglers to know, is that bass seem to feed more aggressively during these times. The influence can be significant enough that you might plan to be fishing your most productive spot during these times. The feeding spree can range from slightly more active feeding to an all out feeding frenzy. Each feeding cycle may last from 30 to 90 minutes.

During these feeding cycles, bass tend to move up into their feeding areas and become quite competitive with one another for available food. Use lures which you can work quickly and cover lots of water. This is not a time for finesse, but a time to make as many presentations as you can. If you are fishing shallow, cover as much water as you can during the feed. Start with a buzzbait to see if they are taking surface lures. If not, switch to a crankbait or spinnerbait. If you are fishing jigs or spoons in deeper water, go to heavier bait so you get into the strike zone more quickly. Work the baits faster than normal. If you don’t get bit right away, recast to another likely spot.