Huntington Beach, California Solunar Calendar

What is a Solunar Calendar?

A solunar calendar predicts which days and times that wildlife will be the most active, based on a scientific theory called Solunar Theory.

If you're a fisherman, this theory can tell you if/when the fish will be most likely to bite, using science.

Many fishermen stand by this theory, so they consult their local solunar tables to figure out the best fishing days.

It works like this:

• By looking at the positions of the sun and moon relative to the earth, you can predict peak activity levels for fish and game


• The best days and times of the month to fish are when the moon is either overhead, or when the moon is directly underfoot (on the opposite side of the Earth). These are called "Major" periods and typically last for about two hours.


• The second best times to fish are during the moonrise (the moment when the moon appears above the horizon) and moonset (when it disappears past the horizon). These are called "Minor" periods.


• When these periods overlap with sunrise or sunset, according to this theory, it's the best time to fish since it coincides with increased light transition which can also trigger increased fish activity.

Why do solunar events trigger increased fish activity?

Gravitational pull and tidal forces

• The moon's gravity affects tides, which we all know is a big factor in fish feeding and breeding behaviors
• It is also said that the moon and sun's gravitational forces can affect the internal bodily fluids of animals and fish, much like they affect the ocean's tides, potentially making creatures more active during specific periods.

Light levels

• The amount of moonlight or sunlight during Major or Minor periods is factored in as well, which can affect the visibility for predators and prey, thus influencing feeding times. For example, nights with a full moon are brighter, which may increase nocturnal feeding among certain fish species.

Biological rhythms

• Many fish and animals have internal biological clocks that help regulate their feeding and breeding cycles. These cycles can be influenced by changes in light and dark periods, which are affected by the moon's phases and the sun's position.

Evolutionary Adaptation

• Over millennia, many species have likely adapted their behaviors to the rhythms of the solunar cycle, finding that feeding and breeding during certain times increases their chances of success.