Relationship between lunar phase and catch rates

[John F]

An Aussie study, based on 9 years worth of data from comps found "A consistent pattern of catch rates peaking over the period from the new moon to the first quarter was observed for blue shark, mako shark, dolphin fish and yellowfin tuna. Results for black marlin differed, with catch rates increasing to a peak between the full moon and the last quarter. We suggest that the observed variability in CPUE maybe a result of the movement of prey species in association with lunar phase."

Those interested in reading the full paper (460 Kb) please let me know....

Now I know why I keep blanking.... gotta go fishing in the NEW moon 

[TUNAMAN]

100% JOHNF full moon a no go for me. Unfortunately the comp dates are set and we can not choose but it helps to decide whether you are targeting bills or gamefish in a species comp.

Would appreciate the doc thought as I'm sure it will make interesting reading.

[John F]

I'm with you Tuna (too much light at night - predators get their bellies full at night IMO!)... and here because of tide restrictions within the clubs, most comps are either new/full moon... doc sent!

[John F]

Very interesting... just found another paper done in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on striped marlin... no relation whatsoever..."sport fishermen wishing to maximise their striped marlin catches would best plan their trips on the basis of weather conditions and boat/crew identities, rather than on the basis of lunar phase."

[TUNAMAN]

I'm with you Tuna (too much light at night - predators get their bellies full at night IMO!)... and here because of tide restrictions within the clubs, most comps are either new/full moon... doc sent!

Same methology. Thanks Marcos appreciate the info.

[Capt. Hook]

Very interesting subject which I really want to learn more about. Would also like the paper.

[John F]

@FA, both papers sent ...

For your info guys, here are the full references for the papers I mentioned:

Lowry, M., D. Williams & Y. Metti (2007). Lunar landings - relationship between lunar phase and catch rates for an Australian gamefish-tournament fishery. Fisheries Research, 88: 15-23.

Ortega-Garcia, S., G. Ponce-Diaza, R. O’Harab & J. Merila (2008). The relative importance of lunar phase and environmental conditions on striped marlin (Tetrapturus audax) catches in sport fishing. Fisheries Research, 93: 190-194.