Rise and shine. This is Early Bird Fishing. Prepare for world class fishing instruction, stories, and news, in less than 5 minutes.

Here’s what we got for you today:

• The top 5 mistakes we see noob fisherman making 🎣

• Russia firing shots at fishing vessels and the Coast Guard seizing 45,000 pounds of shrimp 🚢

• Gordon Ramsay shares his favorite seafood recipes 🍴🔥

• Scroll To The Bottom - we have an unreal referral program and are giving away free Early Bird Fishing stickers, neck gaiters, and boonie hats 💸

🎣 5 Mistakes Every Angler Makes (And How to Fix Them)

Even the most experienced anglers fall into habits that can sabotage a great day of fishing. Avoid these five common mistakes, and we’ll stop calling you a noob.

1. Allowing Human Scent to Get on Your Bait 

Fish have an incredible sense of smell, and human scent on your bait can spook them away. Sunscreen, soap, and even your natural oils can leave a residue. To avoid this, handle your bait as little as possible, or use gloves. You can also rinse your hands in the water or rub them in dirt to mask the scent.

2. Not Bleeding Your Fish 

If you're planning to keep your catch, not bleeding the fish is a rookie mistake. Bleeding your fish right after it's caught improves the quality and taste of the meat. Make a quick cut near the gills or tail to allow the blood to drain. It’s a small step that makes a big difference, especially when it’s time to cook.

3. Ignoring the Tides 

Tides are like nature’s clock for fish activity. Ignoring them means you’re likely fishing when the water isn’t moving, and that’s when fish are least active. Always check tide charts before heading out. Fishing during rising or falling tides often leads to better success, as fish are more likely to be feeding.

4. Neglecting Line and Reel Maintenance 

A frayed line or a sticky reel can ruin your day in an instant. Regular maintenance is key. Before every trip, inspect your line for nicks and replace it if necessary. Clean and oil your reel to keep it functioning smoothly. These small tasks will save you a lot of frustration when you’re fighting a big one.

5. Not Preparing Your Gear the Night Before 

Mornings are prime fishing time, and scrambling to pack your gear wastes precious minutes. The night before, double-check your tackle, rods, and bait. Make sure everything is organized and ready to go. That way, when the fish are biting, you’re not stuck untangling lines or searching for hooks.

Fix these mistakes, and you’ll be well on your way to a more successful fishing trip!

🎣 IN THE FIELD

• Hatch just released their list of new fly fishing gear for September 2024. Check out the list here for some sweet finds.

• Looking for a year-round hardy fish that is easy to catch? No, we’re not talking about your ex-girlfriend, we’re talking about perch. MeatEater has a comprehensive article on how to hook these bad boys.

• Think again if you’re trying to fish in Russia. A Russian war ship fired a warning shot at a nearby fishing vessel.

• The Coast Guard seized 45,000 pounds of shrimp on a fishing boat with an expired permit. We hope these shrimp weren’t on their way to Red Lobster.

AI CORNER

Every week we generate fishing related AI images. See the coolness/weirdness below:

CHEF’S KISS

🍴 Gordon Ramsay drops seafood recipes that everyone needs to try:

🔪 Here’s another technique on how to kill/bleed fish Japanese style - the Ikijime way.

🔥 A pan seared scallop recipe that we can’t wait to try.

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