can somebody explain how you tell when they are? And what they are?

I really don't want to pass this along - for all you scheptics - please keep on "not believing". two places you can get them - --
#1-and this one is free- Fishing Forecast

and this one I like a little better - but costs (but you can plug in any day -any location -months in adavance - great planner!!)

Solunar Forecast

There ya go

Many times I've seen fish turn on during these periods. The moon rise/set is a real trigger. I try to be in my best area when it happens.

Solunar periods are the times that fish and game are most active. The Major Periods occur when the moon is overhead and underfoot. Minor Periods occur when the mooon is rising or setting. The times are different for every day and for every location. Activity intensity also varies throughout the moon with the phase of the moon - strongest activity occurs around a full or new moon.

iSolunar Hunting & Fishing Times is an iPhone App that gives location-specific solunar tables data. Visit http://i-solunar.com for more information about the solunar theory. The app can be downloaded on the iTunes App store - iSolunar Hunting & Fishing Times.