In this article I'm going to explain the theory behind
Solunar Tables.

Fishermen normally invest a lot of time studying the feeding
behavior of their targeted fish species. One of the most
frequently asked question is: When is the best time to go
fishing?

Solunar Tables provide a commonly accepted answer to this
question. The tables are based on the Solunar Theory,
originally formulated by John Alden Knight.

It is a well established and proven theory that can predict
those times when fish are most active. The two key factors
of the Solunar Theory are the Sun (sol) and the Moon (lun).
John Alden Knight spent most of his life studying fish
feeding behavior in relation to these cosmic forces.

In 1957, he was elected to the Fishing Hall of Fame for his
contribution through the development of the Solunar Tables,
sportsmanship and fishing ability.

He based his initial idea for the theory on an old-time
comercial hunter's knowledge and with careful observation
and research extended this idea into a theory about animal
feeding schedules. The secret he learned from the old hunter
from South Georgia was that the best time to go fishing or
hunting is when the moon is directly overhead or underfoot.

In his book "Moon Up ~ Moon Down" he summarizes the basic
claim of his theory in the following way:

Other conditions not being unfavorable, fish will feed,
animals will move about, birds will sing and fly from place
to place, in fact, all living things will become more
active, more alive, during Solunar periods than at other
times of apparent equal value.

The times of day when fish and other animals will most
likely be active are called "Solunar Periods". They occur
normally 4 times per day. As a general rule of thumb, they
coincide with Moon Rise, Moon Set, Moon Up and Moon Down
times.

More accurately they are calculated from the combined
gravitational force of moon and sun in relation to an
observers location. Usually the duration of the major
periods lasts for about two hours while minor periods last
slightly shorter.

Everyone knows that dawn and dusk are good times to go
fishing and many saltwater fisherman believe that fishing is
at its best during tidal changes. However not everyone knows
that perhaps the most effective time to be out on the water
is during major or minor Solunar periods.

What happens if we combine the Solunar Periods with our
knowledge about dusk, dawn and tides? It's simple - if any
of the Solunar Periods occur within an hour of sun rise, sun
set, low or high tide then we can expect even greater
action.

Now that we know about the best times to go fishing on a
particular day, wouldn't it be good to also know which days
in a month will be best?

Again the Solunar Theory provides an answer for us. It
states that the influence of moon and sun will be stronger
the closer they are to earth. And this happens during New
Moon and Full Moon Phases. That's why periods during New and
Full Moon will provide the best fishing each month has to
offer.

To plan our fishing trips around the ultimate best time we
have to look out for days shortly after New Moon or Full
Moon with Major or Minor Solunar Periods near sun rise, sun
set, low or high tide. Assuming that all other factors such
as weather, season, water condition, food availability, etc
are right, this could lead to some incredible action.

To find out more about Solunar Fishing Tables and to receive
automatic email reminders about best fishing times, please
visit Fishing Reminder

Fishing Reminder: http://www.fishingreminder.com Knight,
John Alden. "Moon Up, Moon Down". Solunar Sales CO., 2001

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