Fishing forecast

The moon always has something of a mysterious influence on fishing. We sometimes wonder if a moon, so far from our planet, can really have an impact on our harvest.

However, whenever we discuss the matter with sports fishermen, we quickly discover that some of them truly believe in their solunar charts. It can even reach the point where they will plan their fishing trips according to when the moon is favourable and stay home when it is not. Are these anglers flirting with alchemy, or what?

There is no doubt that the moon has certain effects on nature and every living organism, including humans. Just try talking about it with people working in hospitals. They will tell you that they witness significant changes in their activity level during full moons, whether it is in terms of births or emergencies.

In this column, I will focus, in the most pragmatic way possible, on two major and very tangible effects the moon can have. It is brightness and magnetism. First of all, whether or not we believe in the quasi-magical effect of the moon, we have no choice but to admit that there is enough light outdoors on full-moon nights to allow animals to behave as in full day. This implies that the habits of fish and game, which are generally predictable, are disrupted. If a fish species has the habit of feeding at the beginning of the day on our favourite structures, for example, it could be feeding at night for a few days before and after the full moon. This is likely to make our coveted catch much less cooperative when we cast our line in the morning.

The other extreme is equally influential on nature. The pitch black nights of the new moon will force the species who usually hunt in the light to have their meals during the daytime, which can play in our favour.

You will understand that the coveted species will be affected differently depending on its nocturnal or diurnal habits.

Besides brightness, the other tangible effect of the moon on our planet is magnetism, which is easily observable through tides. Just like brightness, which is most noticeable during full and new moons, magnetism is most notable in its extremes, but at two different scales: on the basis of the lunar cycle, and on a daily basis.

It is known that there is a greater variation in tidal height during full and new moons, indicating the moon's strongest and weakest magnetism on Earth. It is therefore at these extremities of the lunar cycle that we notice the strongest changes on the fauna.

But we must not forget that the force of magnetism also changes on a daily basis. It is at the time when the moon rises and sets, which occurs even during the supposedly low-activity periods according to the solunar calendar. This means that even if the calendar indicates a day of low activity, it is likely to reach its peak when the moon sets and rises.

There goes a brief explanation of the solunar calendar's relevance. While this is not the only variable to consider when planning a trip, there is no doubt that it is an influential variable.

Seasoned anglers and keen observers will confirm that. During periods of intense activity, all of nature surrounding the angler seems to come alive. But now, when a wacky guide or friend tells you that the biggest catch of the day will be at 3:26 precisely, you will not only know why, but you will also know that you should maybe believe them.