Fishing Conditions- how much do you overthink your trip?

[ProfessorLongArms]

I'm curious what different fishermen take into account for ideal conditions....

Obviously weather is the first limiting factor.
I also keep reading water temp can be a huge determining factor depending on the species you're targeting.

Beyond that, how much do you like to dig in on your lunar conditions, etc?

I was reading that it's usually a good idea to launch in an incoming high tide and land before it's low... If nothing else for the sake of easy lanunch/landing. Most days I end up hitting rocks in Malibu when I come in so it tends to be pretty random.

How do you like tides for actual fishing activity and current for paddling? I've seen a few passages like "Halibuts love changing tides on a full moon during spawning"

OTOH, the internet is nothing if not full of conflicting information.

I'm also curious for opinions on Solunar info. Looking at the third, it's full-on Full Moon, which seems auspicious enough. Then I'm starting to read about Major and minor Solunar periods....

I've read conflicting reports... Some people say that the Majors (when the moon is directly over) are best for feeding, and others have said the Moonsets/rises (minor periods) are best for feeding activity. Both?

Looking at the chart for the 3rd, I see a Major period between 12:30 and 2:30pm and a Minor period between 6:30 and 7:30pm (I guess they vary in duration because of an elliptical orbit)... By that measure, you could easily be out on the water and fish through both...

At a certain point, I just get in my boat and put bait in the water, but I'm curious if anyone has consistent experience... Even if just anecdotal or something their dad told them.

[alanw]

If you wait for the sun, moon, tides, temperature, season, work schedule, wife's blessing, etc.. to be perfect then you will never get out on the water. The best time to go fishing is when you can.

[Ggiannig89]

My biggest limiting factors are weather and free time. I’ve also found that changing tides are best in my opinion especially in the bay bust also for working the kelp for bass and rockfish. But the only thing I truly check is the weather and whether or not I’ll be able to comfortably paddle.

[Saba Slayer]

Fish when you can.... don't overthink it...It's all about time on the water...

[Hunters Pa]

If the stars align and I have the rare open window of time I go. Conditions will determine where. Catching something is a bonus. As Jim said, it's all about time on the water, away from the office, todo list and whatever obnoxious show the kids have on the tv.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my kids activities. I'm doing as much as I can with them while they still tolerate me around

[ProfessorLongArms]

Let me be clear-I am totally appreciative of the notion of just going fishing whenever I can find time. This is more theoretical question than something I would ever let keep me off the water.

Much as I’ve always heard people talk about it in passing, I’m just more curious if anyone looks at that kind of stuff with any real sense of conviction

[kenb]

Originally Posted by Saba Slayer

Fish when you can.... don't overthink it...It's all about time on the water...

Yes, Think that pretty well sums it up!

[jorluivil]

Tomorrow isn't guaranteed so fish today