NORFOLK, Va. — Fishing is a popular pastime in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. Some days, if you go fishing, it may be a long day with very few catches. Fishing during a full moon though will yield the best chances to catch some fish, and here’s why!
First, let’s talk about the moon’s gravitational pull. While the moon’s gravitational pull is smaller than the Earth’s, the moon still exerts a pulling force on our planet. When the moon enters its full phase, the Moon, the Earth, and the Sun are aligned.
The moon’s gravitational pull is then paired with the gravitational pull from the Sun. The tidal force makes the earth’s oceans stretch on either side of the planet, which causes a much higher tide. These tides are called "spring tides."
The three celestial bodies are also in alignment during a new moon. So, tides run extra high during a new moon, too. Those extra high tides can push fish closer to your favorite fishing spot. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), it takes 24 hours and 50 minutes to complete a singular tide cycle.
A full moon comes around 29.5 days so you’ll have the opportunity for better fishing conditions at least once a month.
When the moon is in its first quarter or last quarter phases, the sun's gravitation pull on the tides somewhat cancels out the moon's pull on the tides. So during those two phases, the tides are fairly lower. Those tides are called "neap tides."
That's how your weather works!