Is Crappie Fishing Good on a Full Moon?

Crappie fishing is one of the most popular fishing activities in North America. It is a fun hobby that can get you a great catch for dinner or to impress your friends. Many crappie anglers have different strategies and techniques for catching this fish. But, one question that often comes up is whether crappie fishing is good on a full moon. In this blog post, we will try to answer this question by looking into some important factors.

Moon Phases and Fishing

It is believed that the moon phases can affect the behavior of fish. The old age theory is that fish tend to feed more aggressively during the full moon phase. The gravitational pull of the moon is strongest during the full moon, creating high tides and stable water levels which make it easier for fish to feed. However, there is little scientific evidence to support this theory. Research has suggested that there are other factors that contribute positively to good crappie fishing rather than the moon phases only.

The Weather Factor

The weather has a significant effect on the feeding behavior of crappies. Although the full moon is associated with stable waters, it is not a guarantee for better fishing. If there’s bad weather on your full moon trip like rain, thunderstorms, or high winds, chances are the fish will not bite. It may seem obvious, but the worse the weather, the less hungry the fish. Therefore, if there’s a full moon during your planned fishing trip and the weather is going to be bad, it’s probably best to reschedule.

Time of Day

It has been observed that crappies have a feeding pattern that revolves around the time of day. When the sun is out, the crappie will generally move to deeper and cooler water to conserve their energy. But, when the sun sets, they will go looking for food in shallower waters. Therefore, if your full moon fishing trip falls during the night or dawn, it can be a great time to catch crappies. When the moon is bright and visible, the baitfish will spawn and the crappie will come to feed on them.

Summary

In conclusion, there is no clear-cut answer to the question of whether crappie fishing is good on a full moon. While the moon phases may have some influence on crappie feeding behavior, it is not the only factor to consider. The weather and the time of day are also important factors that could affect fishing. Crappie fishing can be fantastic during a full moon, but only if these factors align. So the next time you plan a crappie fishing trip on a full moon, make sure you look into the weather forecast, time of day and a good fishing spot, and hope for a good catch.

Is Crappie Fishing Good on a Full Moon?

If you’re a crappie fisherman, you know the importance of choosing the right time to head out to the water. One of the most frequent questions asked by anglers is “Is crappie fishing good on a full moon?” Some say that full moons pose a challenge, while others claim that it’s one of the best times to catch crappie. In this post, we’ll explore the topic and try to give a definitive answer to this question.

What Is a Full Moon?

A full moon occurs when the Earth is directly between the sun and the moon, and the moon is fully illuminated as a result. The full moon appears as a bright, round disk in the night sky.

How Does the Full Moon Affect Crappie?

Crappie are a popular target for anglers, and the best time to catch them can vary depending on several factors, such as water temperature, time of day, and weather conditions. Some anglers believe that the full moon is a prime time to catch crappie, while others avoid fishing during the full moon altogether.

One theory is that the full moon causes crappie to feed less during the day, as they have more light to see their prey. As a result, they may be more active during the night or early morning, making them easier to catch if you know the right techniques.

On the other hand, some anglers claim that fishing during the full moon can be challenging because the bright moonlight can spook the fish and make them less likely to bite. This is especially true if you’re fishing in clear water or shallow areas.

What Techniques Work Best During a Full Moon?

If you’re planning to fish for crappie during the full moon, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success. Here are some tips to consider:

1. Fish at night or early morning: As mentioned earlier, crappie may be more active during low-light conditions, making them more likely to bite during the night or early morning.

2. Use a light line: Crappie can be finicky, so using a light line can help you detect even the slightest bites. Fluorocarbon lines are popular among crappie anglers because they are virtually invisible in the water.

3. Choose the right bait: Crappie are known for their love of minnows and jigs, so using these baits can be effective during the full moon. However, you may need to experiment with the color and size to find what works best for your location.

4. Fish in deeper water: If you’re fishing in clear water or shallow areas, consider moving to deeper water during the full moon. The fish may feel safer and more comfortable in deeper water, making them more likely to bite.

Is Crappie Fishing Good on a Full Moon?

If you’re an avid crappie fisherman, you’ve probably heard many theories about the best time of day, month and year to fish for crappie. Among the many suggestions is that fishing during a full moon is really productive, while others claim the opposite. This article will focus on whether crappie fishing is at its peak during a full moon.

Why Do Some Anglers Believe That Crappie Fishing is Good on a Full Moon?

The theory behind this belief is that during a full moon, crappie are more active and feeding aggressively. This is because the full moon makes it easier for the crappie to see and hunt their prey. As a result, crappie fishermen who fish during a full moon can enjoy better yields.

Another belief is that crappie spawn during a full moon, which also makes it the perfect time to catch them. During the spawning period, crappie tend to stay in shallow waters, making it easier for anglers to catch the fish using their preferred lures.

What Does Science Say About Crappie Fishing During a Full Moon?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether crappie fishing is good on a full moon. However, scientific research shows that moon phases do affect fish behavior, including crappie.

Research shows that during a full moon, crappie move more, and their metabolism increases. There is also evidence that crappie feed more during the night than the daytime during the full moon.

One study conducted by the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences revealed that the feeding rates of crappie during a full moon increase to 35% more than during a new moon.

However, another study published in the Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences found little scientific evidence to support the theory of increased feeding during the full moon. The researchers stated that many factors (such as water temperature, dissolved oxygen levels, water clarity, etc.) influence crappie feeding habits so, the lunar cycle is not the only indicator for successful crappie fishing.

Factors that Affect Crappie Fishing During the Full Moon

While it is difficult to say for sure if crappie fishing is good during a full moon, a few factors may impact fishing success. Here they are:

Water Temperature

Water temperature can significantly affect the feeding activity of crappie. During a full moon, water temperature tends to be slightly warmer at night than during the day, thus raising the crappie’s metabolism and making them more active. However, if the water is too warm, the crappie may be less active, resulting in minimal bites.

Water Clarity

Water clarity is another significant factor that affects successful crappie fishing. During a full moon, the brighter moonlight makes it easier for crappie to see, which can result in feeding activity. However, in darker waters, the opposite could be true since the brighter moon could cause the water to become too bright, scaring off crappie.

Barometric Pressure

Barometric pressure also has some effect on crappie fishing. Typically, when barometric pressure is rising, crappie tend to slow down their activity feeding, making it more challenging to catch them. On the other hand, when the pressure is falling, crappie become more aggressive, bite eagerly, and become easier to catch.

Ways to Catch Crappie During a Full Moon

Regardless of whether crappie fishing is good during a full moon, some tips can improve angling success:

Fishing at Night

Since crappie tend to be more active during the full moon and are more active at night, fishing during the evening hours could lead to more bites. Additionally, less fishing pressure at night could lead to a good catch.

Use a Variety of Lures

It’s essential to use a range of lures in various colors, shapes, and sizes to determine which ones work best. Some lures work well during cloud cover, while others are more effective when fishing in clear water.

Find the Right Spot

Locating the ideal fishing spot is crucial. Crappie typically congregate around underwater structures such as rocks, brush piles, or sunken trees. If you can locate these structures using a fish finder, your chances of success could significantly improve.

Conclusion

Despite many anglers’ theories that crappie fishing is better during a full moon, there is no straightforward answer. Scientific studies show that crappie behavior is affected by the lunar cycle, but it’s only one of the many factors that impact crappie feeding. Factors such as water temperature, barometric pressure, and water clarity can make it easier or more difficult to catch crappie during a full moon. Finally, by using various lures, fishing at night, and finding the ideal spot, you can significantly increase your chances of catching crappie, whether during a full moon or not.