Solar Eclipse Effect on Fish

ash · Post by **ash** » Wed Sep 06, 2023 2:30 pm

Hi Gents,

Next month there is a Solar Eclipse and I was wondering what your experience is when fishing during a reduction in visibility during a Solar Eclipse.

scott39 · Post by **scott39** » Wed Sep 06, 2023 4:05 pm

I took a day off work a few years ago to fish one. Thought the Delta would be the place to be. Needless to say the bite sucked. But then again it always does for me on the D.

ash · Post by **ash** » Thu Sep 07, 2023 7:06 am

scott39 wrote: ↑Wed Sep 06, 2023 4:05 pm I tool a day off work a few years ago to fish one. Thought the Delta would be the place to be. Needless to say the bite sucked. But then again it always does for me on the D.

kb · Post by kb » Thu Sep 07, 2023 11:57 am

It will be a great excuse for not catching them!!!

ash · Post by **ash** » Thu Sep 07, 2023 2:54 pm

kb wrote: ↑Thu Sep 07, 2023 11:57 am It will be a great excuse for not catching them!!!

Mark Lassagne · Post by **Mark Lassagne** » Sat Sep 09, 2023 6:46 am

One of the best times I can remember is when the moon was a foot and the sun overhead the fish bit really good for about an hour. The bite in the Delta has been okay the last month so my best advice (just like when the tide switches) be on your best spot during the eclipse. Just going down the back, you may notice a few more fish biting but to catch the better quality or a big one be in your best spot or area.

It's been a while since I fished during an eclipse but here is some info:

Bass fishing during a solar eclipse can be an interesting and unique experience. While the eclipse itself won't significantly impact the behavior of bass, the changes in light associated with an eclipse can influence their feeding patterns. Here are some tips for bass fishing during an eclipse:

Timing: Solar eclipses are relatively short events, so timing is crucial. Research the exact time and duration of the eclipse in your location and plan your fishing trip accordingly. You'll want to be on the water during the eclipse to take advantage of the potential changes in bass behavior.

Location: Choose your fishing spot wisely. Bass tend to move into shallower water as light levels decrease during an eclipse. Look for areas with structure, such as tulles, submerged vegetation or rip rap. Bass may move to the edges of the mats where Senkos, chatterbaits or pitching to the outside edges can be productive.

Lure Selection: During an eclipse, bass may become more active and opportunistic feeders due to the sudden change in lighting conditions. Experiment with a variety of lures, including topwater lures like buzzbaits and poppers, as well as soft plastics, crankbaits, and jigs. Be prepared to switch lures if one isn't producing results.

Retrieve Speed: Vary your retrieve speed to find out what the bass are responding to best. Sometimes, a slow and subtle presentation can be effective, while other times, a faster and more aggressive retrieve may trigger strikes.

Observation: Pay close attention to any changes in bass behavior as the eclipse progresses. Bass may become more active or move closer to the surface as the light levels decrease. Be ready to adjust your tactics accordingly.

Good luck... BAM!

ash · Post by **ash** » Mon Sep 11, 2023 12:27 pm

Mark Lassagne wrote: ↑Sat Sep 09, 2023 6:46 am One of the best times I can remember is when the moon was a foot and the sun overhead the fish bit really good for about an hour. The bite in the Delta has been okay the last month so my best advice (just like when the tide switches) be on your best spot during the eclipse. Just going down the back, you may notice a few more fish biting but to catch the better quality or a big one be in your best spot or area.

It's been a while since I fished during an eclipse but here is some info:

Bass fishing during a solar eclipse can be an interesting and unique experience. While the eclipse itself won't significantly impact the behavior of bass, the changes in light associated with an eclipse can influence their feeding patterns. Here are some tips for bass fishing during an eclipse:

Timing: Solar eclipses are relatively short events, so timing is crucial. Research the exact time and duration of the eclipse in your location and plan your fishing trip accordingly. You'll want to be on the water during the eclipse to take advantage of the potential changes in bass behavior.

Location: Choose your fishing spot wisely. Bass tend to move into shallower water as light levels decrease during an eclipse. Look for areas with structure, such as tulles, submerged vegetation or rip rap. Bass may move to the edges of the mats where Senkos, chatterbaits or pitching to the outside edges can be productive.

Lure Selection: During an eclipse, bass may become more active and opportunistic feeders due to the sudden change in lighting conditions. Experiment with a variety of lures, including topwater lures like buzzbaits and poppers, as well as soft plastics, crankbaits, and jigs. Be prepared to switch lures if one isn't producing results.

Retrieve Speed: Vary your retrieve speed to find out what the bass are responding to best. Sometimes, a slow and subtle presentation can be effective, while other times, a faster and more aggressive retrieve may trigger strikes.

Observation: Pay close attention to any changes in bass behavior as the eclipse progresses. Bass may become more active or move closer to the surface as the light levels decrease. Be ready to adjust your tactics accordingly.

Good luck... BAM!

Thank you Mark and BAM - I appreciate the in depth response. This also correlates with what little info can be found on the internet that most predator responses are that of twilight, early morning behaviors, however bait fish, insects and birds go quickly into evening behaviors throughout the duration of the eclipse.

I appreciate the thoughtful response - ASH