Angler's Almanac 2015

The Angler's Almanac has been Australia’s best-selling book of predicted best fishing times for more than 20 years. The predictions have resulted from research through the knowledge accumulated by many fishing cultures from around the world over thousands of years, and mostly forgotten in today’s world of high technology. It includes aspects of solunar (solar and lunar) theory and the Maori Calendar.

Users’ responses have been positive to the point where the book has gained the nickname of the “Yellow Bible” in some parts of Australia, with many anglers planning their annual fishing trips and competitions around the predictions. Some anglers who have taken the trouble to apply the explanation of the theory to their own areas have described the results as “uncanny”.

The book makes no secret of how the predictions are obtained – to an extent – and copycats have resulted, but the Angler’s Almanac has kept its strong band of loyal followers.

This app extends the Angler’s Almanac's predictions to a global level, to be used anywhere in the world in fresh or saltwater. It also incorporates an incredible wealth of research and generational knowledge that ranges from basics such as most-suitable knots and rigs, how to cast a bait net, to using improvised tools to free a bogged four-wheel-drive vehicle.

The tables are easy to read, with predictions for every day of a 14-month calendar (November 2014 to December 2015). The tables are set out on the basis of Moon Above (in the sky above the observer) and Moon Below (on the opposite side of the Earth below the observer). The tables rate the days of the month as well as the times of the day. Astute anglers will realise that these must be applied to the characteristics of their own region, and that the months of the year also will factor in. As with the ancients, the Angler’s Almanac does not reveal everything.

Times shown in the Moon Above columns are predicted approximate starting times of major periods of fish feeding activity for that day. These periods will begin soon after the predicted times and can last for more than an hour. Minor times are usually of much shorter duration (often less than 30 minutes) but the feeding activity in these periods can be more pronounced with a greater catch rate.

The Angler's Almanac 2015 comprises 22 specialised sections with more than 220 interactive features, including:

- Tides and weather links

- Interactive fish guide that provides pan and zoom high resolution specimen photos, as well as pop-up information on habitats and how-to-catch

- How to catch and release

- Regulations and rules links

- Knot guide: simple step-by-step interactive diagrams

- Fishing rigs: pop-up diagrams and explanations of rigs most suitable for fish and conditions

- 4WD tips, including beach driving tips; understanding 4WD; engines; wheels and tyres; spares and accessories; how to get out of bogged situations; creek crossings; and more

- Interactive guide to net casting

- Interactive guide to surf casting

- Fast guide to crabbing

- Extensive explanations of: background; the Moon, tides, Sun and stars; the Moon and the fisherman; the Moon and fish feeding patterns; fish feeding activity (major and minor); how to get the best results from this app; wind, weather and currents; the effect of Moon on tides

- 2016 Moon phases.

* Note: The Angler's Almanac 2015 is designed to be used primarily on smartphones.