DV - in spite of what I posted earlier, I am now tending to agree with you. My experience relates to game fishing in Vanuatu. There the impending full moon cycle is definitely the hot bite. All the charter guys will say the same, and I plan my fishing around it - trying not to miss it. The charter guys do - when they have the option. The difference is discernable.
However, having spent the last 3 days chasing marlin in the Naki - for a new experience - I will reconsider that - for NZ at least. Right now is the hot bite time - according to my moon phase preference - altho I did not realise this when planning the trip - other factors took priority.
Day 1 (3 days ago), there was good bird action and surface action - something to work with. Approx 15-20 boats at a guess. 3 fish hooked.
Day 2 approx 20+ boats, two fish hooked and minimal surface action. Like a switch turned off.
Day 3 (y/day) approx 50+ boats (day 1 of comp), no surface action and 1 fish hooked.
And we are right in my hot moon phase. At day 3 we came to the conclusion the bait had gone down.
So what moon phase works somewhere may not work somewhere else. That would be my conclusion.
Regards
Alan