See, not a stupid question, just a stumper! LOL
You know, I only know what the physics of it all is. When the moon is full, it is one of the two times per 28 day rotation that it is the closest to the earth. This causes a greater gravitational pull, that although we don't conciously feel, it does affect us, just as it does all life.
Most articles tend to belief or state the largest fish are caught 3 days before or after the full moon, or new moon. But if you look at that statement, it specifically names 14 of the 28 day cycle as the best. Some have hypothicized that is because more people fish during these periods, because of the statement about the big fish.
I also read that the most big fish are actually caught in the middle of the day, as these fish are normally deeper, and the light penetrates the water the most during the middle of the day. And fish still fish primarily by site, except the occasional bline one that actually bites my lure.
Now, it is also written that fish instinctively begin to feed more heavily as the cold fronts cool the water, and the days get shorter.
You now have two things to consider, night fishing has more hours per night than the days do right now, but the air will be much colder, and you should have less pressure.
Now given that, it is also written that the reason fish seem to feed more heavily at dawn and dusk is that a bass' eyesight adjust more quickly to the changing light conditions, and give them an advantage over the bait.
All this tells me it becomes a matter of preference. I prefer daytime fishing.
I hope all this helps a little.
Amazing how much I can remember here in front of the 'puter to forget it all on the water... LMAO
Good luck,
Tight lines and God Bless
Danny
It's all about the LIGHTING.........
I don't believe the gravitational pull or tidal pools, or ANYTHING else has much to do with fresh water fishing......BUT I do think the lighting has EVERYTHING to do with it.....
I know when there's been a full MOON and the sky has been clear, the fish put on the feedbag. This feed usually lasts WELL into the next morning, sometimes 10 - 11 am...........I've had some GREAT days during this time.
I also know that when there's a full MOON and the sky is cloudy, they FEED all DAY.......the NEXT day, but normally not too much during the night. I don't know how the fish know this condition, but they do, and fishing changes with it.......
I think when the moon is full a much better silouette of the baitfish can be seen by the fish, so they naturally feed more.
I'm not sure if I explained this right.......
Later,