In order to understand how tides work and how tides affect fishing, the relationship between the motion of the Earth in respect to the Sun and the Moon must first be understood. Newton’s law of gravitation explains that both the proximity and mass of two relative objects increases the attraction present within them. "The Ocean's Tides Explained” article states that on Earth’s axis, the level of the ocean is centered by the centrifugal force pulling outward while gravity pulls inward. Since both forces are acting in different directions on the same object, it levels off. However, when the Moon’s gravitational force is added into the equation, the water facing the direction of the …show more content…
According to Science Direct, more fish activity and better fishing occurs during specific times of the moon phases. Generally speaking, fishing can be most productive during a full moon, a new moon, and different quarters of the moon because it causes tides to be stronger which makes baitfish an easy prey for other game fish and large predatory fish. According to Science Direct, “Periodic regression was used to identify the nature of the relationship between lunar phases and catch rates for these species. A consistent pattern of catch rates peaking over the period from the new moon to the first quarter was observed for blue shark, mako shark, dolphin fish and yellowfin tuna.” This study shows that during particular times of the moon phases, especially during the new moon through the first quarter, fishing rates for the species were significantly higher. According to Science Direct, it has been reported that the Guarani Indians, located on the Brazilian coast, are familiar with the patterns of the lunar phases and the tides. Using this information when they hunt and fish, whether in the river or in the sea, they can decipher between which species of fish will be abundant according to the period of the year and the moon phase. Traditional fishermen can use the patterns of the lunar cycle to determine the statistics and predictability of the type and abundance of the fish that they will catch. Fishing is more productive during periods approaching the full moon or the new moon due to the light content that the moon provides on the surface of the water. This light content allows for predator fish to see clearly during the night where baitfish content in the body of water is