WRB-How Does the Cosmic Clock Work? 2024
MFBAB reply :
Tom,
You mentioned the Cosmic Clock in another thread the other day. I've looked at it before, but I don't really understand how to read it.
Would you mind giving a quick tutorial? Are we supposed to print it out and make layers so it can be spun around so the moon phase/time of day match the season?
I'm genuinely interested, but I just didn't get it - I even read an article you wrote about it on another forum 
Thanks,
Rob
A-Jay reply :
For the benefit of those who may be seeing this most excellent information for the first time. BR member WRB put this put together during the 15 year period between 1959 to 1974 from this experiences during that time.
Below is some supplemental info & directions by WRB on how to use the Cosmic Clock.
Introduction:
A cycle is usually thought of as a measure of time in which something starts and stops. For example, the sun rising to its next rising is one cycle called a 24 hour period. This circular movement of revolving objects always having a starting point only to return to start again is the basic law of the cosmic clock.
The Cosmic Clock law tells us that bass will return to exactly the same locations every year of their life cycle. Their rhythm will also return to the same condition within each feeding cycle. When environmental conditions are exactly the same, bass react exactly the same no matter where they are. Bass search out conditions favorable to their survival.
The pace which bass live is called rhythm. This rhythm is broken into five basic categories: Very active, active, neutral, negative and very negative. These break down into percentages like this: 70% neutral, 5% very negative, 5% very active, 10% active and 10% negative. The life cycle of bass is also broken into seven basic categories: Pre-spawn, spawn, post- spawn, Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. The basses’ habitat, surrounding environment, totally governs the calendar periods. Water temperature is the most important factor, controlling most activity. The water condition, including weed growth, clarity, chemistry, oxygen, etc., determines their location.
Basic bass behavior is very simple, they are usually the prime predators within their environment, their prime concern is survival; seek prey, eat, rest.
How do you recognize the basses’ rhythm? Or calendar periods? First, to recognize rhythm we must observe water conditions. Are bait fish active chasing insects, or are they located suspended under boat docks and around weed breaks. Are birds grouped and feeding on schooled bait fish or scattered along the shoreline feeding on insects? Active bait fish indicate active bass; neutral bait, neutral bass, etc.
Calendar periods vary but basically water temperature is the prime factor: 58° – 62° indicates pre-spawn, 62° – 65° is spawn, 63° – 65° is post-spawn, 65° – 73° is Spring, 68° – 80° is Summer, 65° – 73° is Fall, and 48° – 61° is Winter. (Note: The Thermocline only regulates location, not calendar periods). Bass school during pre-spawn, post-spawn, Fall and Winter period and scatter into small groups and singles during spawn, Spring, Fall and Winter; and horizontally migrate during post-spawn and Summer periods. These are behavior factors which are important keys determining calendar periods.
General Instructions:
1. Start at the center color dot and first surrounding ring, which represents’ monthly moon phase and rhythm. The six day periods of the new and full moon are active periods, because they coincide with daily tidal affluence and active sun phases. Daily lunar gravity affects are not shown because of many variances, see tide or solunar charts for high and low or major and minor times. Gravity has a minimum effect on daily rhythm during mid-day, unless there is an overcast weather condition present or extremely light fishing pressure.
2. The second ring and color band represents daily solar phase and rhythm. Activity peaks when the sun is positioned near the horizon. This is based on light penetration into the water. As the sun rises, light intensity increases and shadows disappear, causing an abrupt change in activity. (Weather conditions will have an affect on solar rhythm by changing light intensity.) The sun’s location is measured in angular position by degrees from the horizon, not by time of day. Time is man’s invention and is based on location zones. By pointing your middle finger parallel to the water surface, then raising your index finger upward the movement will be approximately 30 degrees, the position solar activity changes. Observe the sun’s position.
3. The second color band and remaining rings represent the calendar periods, rhythm, prey and location. Calendar periods are based on basic bass habits and water temperature. Water chemistry has a minor effect on calendar periods, but will affect prey and location. The data shown is based on the average bass lake, reservoir or pond, having a balanced ph of 7 or below and acid/nutrients at normal levels. Hard water will tend to lower the temperatures shown, soft water having the opposite effect. Hard water is clear, depth of visual light over ten feet and a ph greater than 7. Soft water is murky, depth of visual light less than two feet and high acid nutrient levels accompanied by weed choked conditions.
The locations and prime prey shown are based on largemouth bass being the prime predator in the lake. If other fish are prime predators, seeking the same prey, bass will become secondary predators and rarely use major points or mid-lake locations.
Migration habits are used to determine subtle changes in calendar periods. It is not necessary to be a biologist to understand basic bass behavior.
Water temperature controls bass behavior, thus controlling the calendar periods. The lower the water temperature, the lower the basses’ metabolic rate, need for food decreases and sizes of food decreases. As water warms, food need increases, food sources increase and bass move into shallower water to seek abundant prey available during warm water periods. Bass first follow schools of small bait fish into bays, spawn, regroup at inside bay points, then scatter along the weed-line, shoreline until Fall when the water begins to cool, Bass then move onto major points, begin to school and feed on bait fish schools, following the thermocline out into mid-lake for the winter cold water period.
Bass are most wary during the summer period when they are in shallow- water. Unfortunately, man is most active with water sports during. the same warm water period, making conditions difficult. Night fishing can be good during the summer period, because of reduced traffic and light.
Because of the pecking order, large adult bass are first to move into different calendar periods, locations and feeding zones. They stay very close to cover and seldom roam seeking prey, instead locate near prey during all periods. Do not chase small bass roaming the shore lines. Instead, observe the calendar periods and concentrate on large adult bass.
To Summarize:
Very active bass will chase and strike anything that they think will fit into their mouths. Active bass will strike almost anything, but rarely chase it more than a few feet. Neutral bass must be teased into striking using a presentation with out-of-sync (rhythm) bait motion. Negative bass must also be teased into striking using a slow, quiet presentation slightly out-of-sync. Very negative bass will rarely strike anything.
Observe your environment and fish locations that have active bait movements.
A-Jay
WRB reply :
This is based on bass feeding activity, see lower right colors; red = active chasing bait, yellow = neutral not willing to case bait more than a few feet, blue = negative, not feeding. Bass are individuals and behave independently, this is met to represent the general bass behavior throughout any given lake.
The moon phase being most active a few days/ nights around the full and new moon.
The clock starts at the center bulls eye that represents the Suns position to the horizon, dawn and dusk at the horizon position. As the sun raises the light intensity and penetration depth increases, the bass feeding activity decreases.
Everything in the outer white is basic bass behavior determined by the water temperature they live in. The majority of the bass locate where the prey is located, the locations are seasonal periods.
This isn't offered as a panacea to bass fishing. It's offered to give anglers a starting point. Weather obviously affects light and water temperatures, however basic bass behavior stays the same wherever you find them.
Hope this explanation helps.
Tom
MFBAB reply :
So, the 3 sections (Moon, Sun and the White Sections) are independent of one another?
1 - The outer white sections and the first colored ring (Annual Rhythm) are just the basic seasonal tendencies?
2 - The Sun Phase and Daily Rhythm are basically just for any day - Sunrise and Sunset are the active period?
3 - The Middle 2 rings are showing the active period before and after the new and Full Moon? But nothing related to the daily solunar periods, right?
Is this basically what it's showing?
I guess I was trying to figure out how everything in the chart related on any given day, I think I was just looking at it wrong before. It seems to be more of a Macro view, is this right?
MFBAB reply :
Tom, I made a chart version of the seasonal info that sort of fits my eye better. What do you think?
I always like looking at these seasonal guides, especially during the winter.
KVD made a good one http://www.bassmaster.com/vandams-6-season-bass-guide ,
Rick Clunn also made a very useful one in the book "More Secrets of the Bass Pros" by Tim Tucker,
the Book Knowing Bass and the In-Fisherman Handbook of Bass Strategies are some other sources for those who are interested.
WRB reply :
Have severe cold and can't focus on this at the moment, will get back to you.
45 + years ago seasonal periods were unknown other then the spring spawn.
Today this information is well accepted, however the average Joe still insist fishing the same locations year around instead considering seasonal periods exist. As far a activity levels most bass anglers believe they can tease a negative bass into striking. Outside of bed fishing bass don't have the emotional trigger response, they attack prey to eat it, they don't eat when spawning.
Tom
A-Jay reply :
On 1/27/2016 at 8:42 AM, WRB said:Have severe cold and can't focus on this at the moment, will get back to you.
45 + years ago seasonal periods were unknown other then the spring spawn.
Today this information is well accepted, however the average Joe still insist fishing the same locations year around instead considering seasonal periods exist. As far a activity levels most bass anglers believe they can tease a negative bass into striking. Outside of bed fishing bass don't have the emotional trigger response, they attack prey to eat it, they don't eat when spawning.
Tom
Hope you feel better soon Tom
A-Jay
Catt reply :
So if a person never reads or pays attention to this "clock" but has great success catching both numbers of bass & quality bass...what's up with that!
Lil Joe The Grinder reply :
Hope you feel better, Mr. Tom. I studied your clock when you mentioned it before and thought it was great. Just didn't say anything. With the added opinions and additional charts, I'm certain this is the best information I've read in BR. Thanks to all. Gotta start somewhere!
Sam reply :
WRB, very interesting information.
Even with the data it is still a challenge to catch those pesky green monsters.
If one has confidence in the clock please follow it.
If you do not then keep on doing what you have confidence.
This is what makes bass fishing such a challenge: No matter how you cut it, the bass still has the upper hand.
Catt reply :
On 1/27/2016 at 2:48 PM, Sam said:This is what makes bass fishing such a challenge: No matter how you cut it, the bass still has the upper hand.
About the time I think I have them figured out the bass prove to me I don't!
BassWhole! reply :
I'm pulling out my Jefferson Airplane vinyl, and my tie dye tee as we speak. LMB guys is funny. Puff, puff, give...
MFBAB reply :
On 1/27/2016 at 10:28 AM, Catt said:So if a person never reads or pays attention to this "clock" but has great success catching both numbers of bass & quality bass...what's up with that!
Tom has stated (in this thread and/or others about this info):
- Not a Panacea
- Written primarily about Cali Lakes (which he has slap killed em on up to 17 lbs. for decades by the way)
- Written 40 years ago
,,,,It might not be tailor made for my waters in TN, but I'm still listening. And did I mention, it's cold here!
....But, to answer your original question, I think that person wouldn't be a person at all, but possibly a robot or an alien sent here to deplete our reservoirs of bass!!
Nitrofreak reply :
On 1/27/2016 at 9:30 PM, MFBAB said:....But, to answer your original question, I think that person wouldn't be a person at all, but possibly a robot or an alien sent here to deplete our reservoirs of bass!!
I think he just called you an alien robot Catt LOL !!
Catt reply :
Some of the best anglers I know do not even have a cellphone or Internet access, some of the couldn't even tell you who KVD is.
They consistantly catch bass & big bass daily, now they do however live on the water.
I just like busting Tom's chops 
A-Jay reply :
On 1/27/2016 at 10:35 PM, Catt said:Some of the best anglers I know do not even have a cellphone or Internet access, some of the couldn't even tell you who KVD is.
They consistantly catch bass & big bass daily, now they do however live on the water.
I just like busting Tom's chops
OK Mr Busting Chops ~ we both know that every last one of these knowledgeable & successful anglers has some formula or their own way of determining how, where, when & what to fish to catch those bass. Doesn't have to be a Cosmic Clock, doesn't even need a name.
But since they're probably not using the force, so there's got to be something . . . . . . . .
A-Jay
gulfcaptain reply :
On 1/27/2016 at 10:35 PM, Catt said:Some of the best anglers I know do not even have a cellphone or Internet access, some of the couldn't even tell you who KVD is.
They consistantly catch bass & big bass daily, now they do however live on the water.
I just like busting Tom's chops
Doesn't everyone who lives in Louisiana live on the water?....lol Working down there, I've even heard there's a School Boat!!! Now that's living on the water. I think you just have that cajun intuition going on from living on the bayou for so long....lol
Just busting your chops,
Catt reply :
On 1/28/2016 at 1:10 AM, gulfcaptain said:Doesn't everyone who lives in Louisiana live on the water?....lol Working down there, I've even heard there's a School Boat!!! Now that's living on the water. I think you just have that cajun intuition going on from living on the bayou for so long....lol
Just busting your chops,
Ya laugh but down below Morgan City they are School Boats!
gulfcaptain reply :
On 1/28/2016 at 2:24 AM, Catt said:Ya laugh but down below Morgan City they are School Boats!
Yes I know....and they refer to themselves as well coon-blanks(rhymes with bass) as well. Good people though.
MFBAB reply :
Careful, my wife's whole family lives down there - if it's b/w Baton Rouge and N. O. they pretty much got it covered :):)
gulfcaptain reply :
On 1/28/2016 at 4:42 AM, MFBAB said:Careful, my wife's whole family lives down there - if it's b/w Baton Rouge and N. O. they pretty much got it covered :):)
South of I-10....lol
Catt reply :
On 1/28/2016 at 3:09 AM, gulfcaptain said:Yes I know....and they refer to themselves as well coon-blanks(rhymes with bass) as well. Good people though.
My last name is Thibodeaux
Sam reply :
On 1/28/2016 at 5:25 AM, Catt said:My last name is Thibodeaux
Do you know Boudreau???
EricTheAngler reply :
I dont know man I just get out and fish. 
Catt reply :
On 1/28/2016 at 5:33 AM, Sam said:Do you know Boudreau???
When I worked at Northrop/Grumman my estimator was Boudreaux!
Boy are we off subject
CJ reply :
MFBAB, you would need to add rings for water current and elevation if you were on the TN River to complete the clock but then it wouldn't just be cosmic, would it?
Catt reply :
On 1/28/2016 at 11:45 AM, CJ said:MFBAB, you would need to add rings for water current and elevation if you were on the TN River to complete the clock but then it wouldn't just be cosmic, would it?
The temperatures need adjusting
MFBAB reply :
On 1/28/2016 at 11:45 AM, CJ said:MFBAB, you would need to add rings for water current and elevation if you were on the TN River to complete the clock but then it wouldn't just be cosmic, would it?
Not my chart, not made for the TN river. I, like Catt, have caught a lot of fish my whole life without ever hearing of this chart, which is actually almost as old as me I, however, also like reading about fishing, and I like looking at seasonal guides and things of that nature, especially during the down time in the winter,
I started this thread to ask Tom what this chart was about, apparently the timing was bad because he is sick.
Have fun with it guys, I'm out.
WRB reply :
On 1/11/2016 at 12:39 PM, Drew03cmc said:I'm using the 4.8 with 3/32 or 1/8 and Ned rigs this year on a 7' ML Powell.
On 1/19/2016 at 11:14 AM, Little Fish.... said:I'm sold lol. What colors?
On 1/19/2016 at 11:59 AM, MIbassyaker said:Whatever colors you'd use for jigs and/or craws in your waters, I suppose. For me that's anything with a base of black, pumpkin, green pumpkin, or watermelon.
On 1/22/2016 at 6:21 AM, Mike L said:I used the keeper one time and the weight kept pushing it down the line too much. Of course I only use a 1oz so maybe that was the problem.
Mike
On 1/24/2016 at 1:13 AM, Evan K said:What's a good all-around size for a snap?
Paul Roberts reply :
I think the Cosmic Clock and other attempts at describing/picturing the annual cycle are valuable sources of information. It's information we anglers do not become aware of till we've been around the sun more than a few times. My hat is off to anyone who puts in the time and effort to figure things out and share them. The experienced anglers here did not each reinvent the wheel but gleaned enormous amounts of information and insight from other anglers, both in person, from books, and the internet.
As I believe Tom is not-so-subtley suggesting in the above post, some things are more important than others -info that must be resolved before all the other questions come on-line.
Tom, the graphics on your CC are quite beautiful. Who did the graphic work?
WRB reply :
Paul, the original was on paper done with felt tip pen and color markers for a presentation.
This version was created from the original by a computer guy named Jared Pease, I am not that creative, it's piece of art now!
Tom
Nitrofreak reply :
The best part of fishing to me is being open minded about things that experienced anglers pass along, this, combined with other lessons, always has a place in the art of figuring things out, maybe it was designed and built to better enhance the anglers experience on the west coast, I find the clock a little confusing to read but, it's something I can continue to study and hopefully find a use for.
Catt reply :
The only part I disagree with is "temperature", if one waits on those temperatures he will miss most of the pre-spawn. Temperatures & the "spawn" has been discussed here many times with observational evidence showing the spawn happens colder than once believed.
Aside from that Tom's pretty much spot on!
WRB reply :
Back when I did this bass boats didn't have biult in temperature probes on transducers or hulls that measure the surface temp. I used a analog temp meter (Dark Ind) with 50' leads and put the probe down the basses mouth to read body temps or dropped the weight probe to the depth I metered bass or observed them like during the spawn. The temperature difference could be digital surface temps anglers use today verses actual water temps where the bass are located.
What you learn after years of experiences is nothing is absolute, lots of variables in real world.
Thanks Catt!
Tom
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