Last summer, a client booked my fly fishing services for three days, to fish on my favorite river the Kalama, located in southwest Washington State. He brought a Speedtech Instruments Mariner's Edge as a present for me. He explained that the patented technology was developed by a team of biologists, to predict fish feeding activity based on sun/moon position, moon phase and barometric pressure. This model also included comprehensive tidal information for the coast - all around the United States - and was therefore intended for fishing that was impacted by tides. ( The Angler's Edge is the same, but without tidal information. ) The technology is much more advanced than the traditional solunar tables.
The client had already programed the instrument for the Kalama River by imputing the latitude, longitude, altitude, time, date, and time zone. ( This is how this instrument works anywhere in the world. )
We were curious as to weather or not it would work with anadromous fish like Steelhead and Salmon, since we are told by scientists that they do not feed, once they enter fresh water. ( Nobody has ever really explained why they will strike at a lure.) Bass had been observed, in a container-sized tank. When the instrument said that they should be feeding, they were looking behind rooting around, looking for food. When it said that they were not feeding, they just treaded water, holding their positions in the current.
For years, man has worked to tap into this science...the Farmer's Almanac, dot tips, moon signs, sayings, phrases and old wives tales trying to tell us to fish or go home and take a nap. Are the cows lying down or standing up, ect? Now we fishermen may have something of great value to us - a big improvement on solunar tables.
The ME-1's ability to predict periods of intense fish feeding is a guide's dream. All I have to do is get to a favorite drift, check my gear and be prepared for the activity to start. The instrument is easy to use. It gives a present prediction and four-hour forecast, based on all factors, including barometric pressure. The future forecast is based on sun/moon information only.
I tested the ME-1 on four western Washington rivers using all types of tackle with exelent success. Among the most exiting of our findings is finally being able to understand the topic of endless debate and mystery...lure size. It seems that fish are just like us...sometimes we want a light snack and other times nothing less than a Big Mac Super-sized combo will do. I also found that I could get away with stronger leaders, when the fish were more inclined to strike.
By selecting the proper sized fly, lure or bait that is compatible with current environmental conditions. you will catch more fish. On the ME-1', the bar graph will indicate what size offering you should present to the fish. Trends are easily visible on the ME-1's graph. By using the advance feeding forecast, I can now plan my river trips more efficiently. I make moves down river or stop for lunch when the fish are inactive. The machine also alerts me to severe weather before it happens so my clients and I have ample time to leave the river safely.
Interestingly, I found that steelhead fishing is best when the instrument rating is 5, or above. For Salmon (Chinook, Chum and Silvers) it seemed best at 7, or above. We even fished for Muskies in the high country lakes and found that they were most choosy. Below 8, they just followed our lures, out of curiosity. At 8, and above, we hooked them regularly. (Fishing at night for all species has also been great. We only go out when the instrument predicts peak activity.) | 
