Study: Solunar Period Correlation Analysis

This study examines the correlation between our predicted solunar major/minor periods and actual catch times reported by PelagicLabs users across 2,400 logged fishing sessions.

Key Finding

84% of catches logged during predicted "major" solunar periods occurred within the 2-hour feeding window.

Solunar Calculation

Major Period: T_major = T_transit ± (duration/2)
Minor Period: T_minor = T_rise/set ± (duration/2)

Duration = 2h × (1 + 0.3 × |cos(phase)|)

Major periods: ~2.5h at new/full moon
Minor periods: ~1.5h at quarter moons

Methodology

We analyzed catch logs from July-November 2025, filtering for sessions with complete time and location data. Each catch was compared against the predicted major and minor solunar periods for that location and date.

Variables Controlled

• Barometric pressure stability (excluded rapid-change days)
• Weather conditions (excluded severe weather sessions)
• Tide state (marine catches only)

Results by Period Type

Major periods (moon overhead/underfoot):
  Catches within window: 84%
  Average catch rate: +45% vs baseline

Minor periods (moonrise/moonset):
  Catches within window: 67%
  Average catch rate: +22% vs baseline

Caveats

• Self-reported catch times may have recording delays
• Users may preferentially fish during predicted good periods (selection bias)
• Sample size varies by region