Do you follow the solunar calendar, being on your favorite fishing spots during a major period?

I've looked at the moon portion extensively. I can say with a great deal of confidence, the moon up, down, rising, setting, sideways etc... has no impact on catch rates statistically speaking. I've not specifically looked into the minor and major feeding periods that many magazines publish, but I would be shocked if they could be shown be to useful in some sort of statistically significant fashion.

I think it effects the anglers mindset more than a fishes desire to feed lol.

Like this......someone tells you fishing is gonna be very good kinda makes you want to go and focus a little better on trying to catch them.

Just my take.

I tend to agree, except on tidal waters. That's where I think it's a plus.

I should have put in that caveat. I was speaking specifically to freshwater lakes. I've never looked into it in regards to salt water.

Before you guys diss the solunar theory, read John Alden Knight's book, Moon up, Moon down.
Farmers have planted during the dark of the moon for centuries. The reason why is to get the full effect of the moon radiation as well as the sun.The moon takes in the radiation from the sun. Bigger moon, more radiation. During the two weeks of the moon rising toward full, little plants will germinate quicker and stronger. They get radiation from both the sun and the moon.
The same is true of plankton and aquatic growth which minnows feed on. I tend to fish more during the times from the new moon up to full. When the moon is waning or going down, my experience is the fish aren't as active. Same with wildlife.
Knight's theory is that everything has a tidal pressure. While it is more noticeable in the ocean, it also occurs in any body of water.
I have fished and hunted by this theory for years, and I think it helps.
Granted, there are other factors that effect feeding activity like barometric pressure, weather, etc... but I still plan my trips by the solunar calendar.
I have confidence in it. Some do, some don't.
Good Luck

i garden according to Farmers Almanac...and if u've ever noticed, when the cattle r feedin', the fish r bitin'...

I dissed the theory only after I examined tens of thousands of data points on the subject. John Knights theories have never been proven in a laboratory. The moon does not provide enough light for most plants to photosynthesize. What you say about algae is true, but many folks also argue that the bright moonlight drives bait fish deeper to avoid night time predation, thus making them more difficult to catch. What I can tell you is I've seen absolutely zero statistically significant evidence that the feeding habits of freshwater fish are substantively influenced by moonlight, position, or magic moon rays. Moon myths die hard. To each their own though!

We can argue this one to death.
But,I think it helps.
With wildlife like deer, it is even more noticable since you can actually see the movement.
Anyway, we agree to disagree.

I fish freshwater when ever I can regardless of the solunar calendar timing. However I have found a pretty good correlation between catching fish and not with the solunar times. I use it like another tool in the chest.

I dont plan my trips around what the solunar table ratings say, but I do believe there is some merit to them.... especially with bigger fish.

I've never done the hours of research Josh has. That said, I've witnessed catch rates on freshwater lakes increase during major and minor feeding periods. However, this only holds true during longer periods of stable weather, like a week of high pressure in June or July with daytime highs of 95-105. In that instance, I've noticed a direct correlation between fishing success and solunar tables. Add in unstable and/or constantly changing weather conditions, and the solunar tables aren't dependable.

This past weekend (Saturday was supposed to be the best day) was supposed to be the best weekend of the month to fish it you believe in the lunar tables. Was not a particular good weekend of fishing for me.

This has happened to me in the past so I'm quickly becoming a non-believer.

I fished athens on friday. Couldn't get hit shallow. I started fishin A rigs under the schools and caught a lot of fish.
You still have to find them, but they were hitting it hard.

One data point does not a trend make. There are an enormous number of variables at play with fish. Isolating for just one factor is difficult at best until you get into very large numbers, tens of thousands of data points. I'm not saying the moon has zero impact, I'm saying after having looked at many many data points, I can't pick up any increase in catch rates statistically speaking. I'd love for it to be true. A reliable to way to improve catch rates, just by looking at moon tables some old codger cooked up 80 years ago? Sign me up! The reality is, it's just not there. Maybe under certain circumstances there is some effect that is so small I haven't been able to pick it up in the data. It's possible. I can tell you though, there are many many things I have been able to see that do influence catch rates. Chief amongst them being good old fashion man made fishing pressure. So after I've picked my lake, my day, and my time to minimize pressure. Then I'll look at the wind. Then the cloud cover. The radar. Then the barometric pressure, just to make sure nothing crazy is happening. Finally I'll consult an astrologer, and last and least I'll check to see what the moon phase is. I'd never plan a trip around it. Unless I'm musky fishing, then I'd plan my trip a few days ahead of a new or full moon just to get there before the masses do.