The history of moon tables and how to calculate them

Solunar tables predict fish and game activity

The effects of the sun and moon have a major influence in the way fish and wildlife coordinate their activities. In 1926, a fisherman from Pennsylvania, John Alden Knight, first developed a method to determine when fish and game were the most active. His tables were based on the position of the sun and moon relative to the time of day.

Knight called his “invention” the “Solunar” tables. It wasn’t until 10 years later that he published the tables. His work predicted the times of day that outdoorsmen could expect the most activity from fish and game. In 1942, Knight published a book “Sun-up, Sun-down” that thoroughly describes his solunar theory. Ever since, hunters have worked hard to prove his theory. For many, Knight’s book and solunar theory are must-have items.

The amount of sunlight and the gravitational forces of the moon are keys in the solunar theology. We cannot physically detect the moon’s gravitational forces. But the effects are monumental across all facets of life on earth. For instance, the movement of the tides in the world’s oceans is a direct result of the moon’s gravitational forces.

Feeding periods for game and fish are predictable

Essentially, Knight predicted both major and minor daily feeding periods linked with the position of the sun and moon at any given time. The greatest effect from the moon’s gravitational forces comes when the moon phase is either full or new. Major feeding periods coincide with the position of the moon when either directly overhead or underfoot. This includes 45 minutes before and after these lunar positions. Minor feeding periods are later, when the moon’s gravitational forces are along the horizon. The minor feeding period will start 45 minutes before and after moonrise/moonset.

Knight’s Original Solunar Tables are available from Solunar Sales Company of Montoursville, Pa. (570-368-8042), and from many websites. However, you can download moonrise, phase, moonset, underfoot and overhead for a specific area for free from websites such as www.timeanddate.com, to determine the best times to go after that trophy buck.

Click here to read more about how the sun and moon impact fish and game activity.