Astro Tables

Updated: November 1, 2009, 10:06 PM ET

Astro Tables

Use the table below to determine the best times this month to go fishing. Scroll down for table instructions.

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About the tables

Astro Tables are far more effective than "moon tables" because they take into account critical solar energies as well as lunar. Some tips on their use:

The "Best Days" column is based on the ever-changing positions of the sun and the moon, rating each day on a scale of 0 to 100. The higher the number, the more solar/lunar influence that day is experiencing (see "Value" column or corresponding black bars).

The "Lunar Periods" section lists the times the moon is overhead and underfoot each day. The length of a lunar period can range from one hour to three-and-one-half hours, depending on a number of important lunar cycles, such as how close the moon is to the earth that day and how high its orbit is. Also, the section uses solar symbols (see key at bottom of each month) to alert you when a lunar period is occuring at the same time as a solar period (eg, dawn, high-noon and dusk).

PrimeTime data are based on solar/lunar research at a leading college of astrophysics and our own research pond/wildlife area. Annual data is supplied by the U.S. Naval Observatory. All lunar times are adjusted to the center of your time zone and for Daylight Saving Time.

The table shown here is from the PrimeTimes Pocket Calendar. It is a scaled-down, quick-reference version of its parent publication, the PrimeTimes Wall Calendar, which is recommended for those wishing to find more complete data on the best days and times to go fishing and hunting for the entire year. Visit www.primetimes2.com for more information.