Google

Understanding the Effects Moonlight on Swordfishing


In order to better understand why swordfish concentrate their feeding habits in certain depths on any given night or why the bite is better during different times of the month requires you to better understand how the effects of moonlight influence swordfish.

Before you can understand how moonlight affects swordfish, you must understand the moon and its phases. The moon revolves around the earth in 27 days. The first phase of the moon at the beginning of its new revolution is what we call the "New Moon". The new moon is when the moons face is in the shadow of the earth causing the moon to reflect no light and look dark to us. A week after the "new moon" the moon will be in its first quarter, meaning that one quarter of the moons total surface is reflecting light back to earth. Since we only see 50% of the moons surface, when the moon is in its first quarter it is actually referred to as a half moon by many of us since one half of the moons face is reflecting light. One week after the first quarter the moon will be full, and the whole face of the moon which is visible to us will be reflecting light. One week after the Full Moon and again the moon will appear as half since it will be in its last quarter. One week after the last quarter the moon will have completed its lunar cycle and be a "New Moon" again.

Now, if we look back to our past swordfish trips and our catch statistics we would see patterns for a few nights when all bites were at depths greater than 200'. And we would also see a pattern for a couple nights when all bites were at depths less than 100'. These changes are a direct effect from the amounts moonlight which was present during these patterns. We know swordfish are predatory species feeding on concentrations of squid and mackerel which are both diurnal species, meaning that during the bright daylight hours they stay in the deeper darker depths of the ocean and as daylight diminishes and night falls they rise to the shallower depths. Now, moonlight plays a role in where the concentrations of the bait will be congregating. For example, during a full moon, since much of the moonlight is shining through the oceans surface, the bright moonlight will cause the bait to stay deeper in the water column. Conversely, during a new moon with virtually no moonlight breaking the oceans surface the bait will congregate in shallower depths closer to the surface.

Of course, we should always have a bait in both the deeper and shallower part of the water column no matter what moon phase we are in, just in case there is swordfish wandering. Although, the brightness of the moon is an extremely good indication of what depth the majority of the swordfish bites we will be. During nights when the moon is full and bright the majority of baits should be fished deeper in the water column.

Tightlines,

Captain Vinnie La Sorsa Swordfishing & OffShore Charters.

http://www.GoodFellasCharters.com

MORE RESOURCES:

RELATED ARTICLES

Information on the Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout are a fresh water fish. They are aggressive fish in that they put up a great fight for the fisherman.
Reviewing the New Berkley Vanish Transition Fluorocarbon Line
The visibility of the line was good. As we were using 2 green lines, a yellow line plus a blue line on this day, it was easy to pick out.
The Old Heddon Meadow Mouse
Have you ever fished with a Heddon Meadow Mouse? How did you do? The reason I ask is, I have fished with them until I lost my last one and did extremely well at catching big bass using them. I would throw the lure out and let it sit.
How to Fish Spring Trout Streams
Fishing spring creeks isn't easy. Don't expect large quantities of catches, but do expect a challenging experience which has a certain mystique about it.
Fly Casting - the Overhead Cast
The overhead cast is the most basic fly cast. Learn to execute it well and you will be able to easily adapt the skill to the side cast and backhand casting.
The Fishing Mark of Mablethorpe on the East Coast of England
MABLETHORPE, is a beach resort on the East coast of England. The beach is a long stretch of clean sands with some great fishing.
Spinnerbait Fishing Tactics for Spotted Bay Bass
Like most fishermen my age I originally learned about spinnerbait fishing for largemouth bass with my Dad. My class room was the back of an aluminum rental boat drifting the brush flats and rocky points of Irvine Lake in Orange County and Lake Cachuma in Santa Barbara, CA.
Techniques of Wet Fly Fishing
Many anglers who are new to fly fishing consider dry fly fishing the "traditional" way of catching trout. Well, that's not entirely true.
General Overview About Trout Senses
When fly fishing for trout, it is of crucial importance to understand their senses. Trout are fish, after all, and make different use of their senses than we do.
Fishing The Henrys Fork....With Jack Karpawack
Jack Karpawack here.Well, as I suspected, there was no high speed internet available from my "YURT" on the Henry's Fork.
Fishing Charter Need To Know
There are several elements that go into creating the ideal charter fishing experience. The most important of these elements are not within the control of the charter service, captain, or the customers:THE WEATHER: By weather, I am not just talking about rain, hail, sleet, snow, fog and other forms of precipitation.
A Guide to Non-Typical Catfish Fishing Techniques - Part II
Method 1EquipmentI fish baits at all depths, not just the bottom, in wide-open water. I always set up and fish deep lake structures.
Importance of Artificial Light While Swordfishing
The use of light, either chemical or battery powered plays an important role in catching swordfish. There is no question that the use of artificial light increases the probability of catching a swordfish.
Saltwater Fly Fishing in Washington State
When most people think of saltwater fly fishing their minds drift to tropical climates and fish species such as tarpon and bonefish. While the Pacific Northwest lacks the hot weather and the typical saltwater gamefish, it more than makes up for it with outstanding fly fishing and spectacular scenery.
The Only Fishing Experts You Should Listen Too
Everyone's an Expert, So Who Has The Right Answers?Have you ever been stuck in a conversation with a fisherman who thinks they know everything there is to know about night fishing?I know I have. After listening about how many fish this person caught yesterday or hearing about the 8 pounder he brought home last week, it may be tempting to take the advice this person gives with absolute certainty.
Gear Needed for Fishing with Nymphs
Now that we've covered what nymph fly fishing is all about, let's next take a look at what sort of fly fishing gear you're going to need to do it. While nymph fly fishing uses pretty much the same gear you use when dry fly fishing, there is a few small items that any successfully nymph fisherman will want to have.
The Truth About Night Fishing
Why Night Fishing Beats Day Fishing Any Day of the WeekWithout a doubt, night fishing is better than day fishing for many reasons.One of the biggest reasons is the size of the fish you can catch at night.
How Do You Bring The Freshest Fish to The Table?
Fish is one of earth's natural wonders and has satisfied our palates since the beginning of man. Their flesh is light and delicate, lean and is packed with protein, the anti-oxidant vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids.
Fishing For Bass In Deep Water
When fishing for bass in deep water try a spinnerbait that you have confidence in and have used to catch fish before. If the fish are inactive try a slow study retrieve.
The Fishing Industry and Sponsorship
Should you approach the fishing industry for sponsorship?First let's look at it from the lure manufacturer's standpoint. Just think of your favorite lure manufacturer for a minute.