I like this question... it almost certainly does not have a definitive, correct answer. For the data points you mentioned, i think their utility would be for insight into "bite windows" and predicting when they might appear. If you know a particularly good spot, you might time your travels to be on the spot for when the bite window you are predicting is due to open.
For the species you mentioned, I think snakehead might be more likely to display behavior centered around bite windows, but I cant say im any kind of snakehead expert. Largemouth bass are opportunistic feeders and less likely to pass up a meal imho. But during slower times, when temps are cooler, I could see them turning on during specific times, especially if they were suspended fish in a lake.
Im more certain when it comes to other species. Musky guides definitely watch the moon for bite windows - major and minor phases. The difference has been noticeable to me at times. Additionally, I think striped bass and speckled trout hit better during bite windows. On the other hand, I dont think the moon phases matter for a rainbow trout. But I dont like a clear full moon night the night before a trip for big browns or smallmouth bass (or any predatory fish).
Certainly a bite window also depends on multiple factors, only one of which would be the moon, and another of which would be light levels. Temperature, cos cover, changes in flow changes in atmospheric pressure, can all trigger bite windows.
So for a definitive answer for when to fish, I think "when you have time" might be as far as Im willing to go.
On Sun, Aug 16, 2026, 1:05 PM Tom Somers <tom.somers22@gmail.com> wrote:
Hello:
Thanks for the invite to participate, I'll bite....Solar-lunar tables or sunrise/sunset?
Sunrise has been good for me recently, but the tables are pointing to the afternoon this week as one of the best times. If you could only do one - sunrise or the afternoon peak according to the tables -- which would you pick for bass/snakeheads?
pic for cred
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