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:

• Why you should have both circle hooks and j hooks in your tacklebox 🔧

• A Georgia man evaded game wardens by jumping into a river ⚠️

• Lemon + Garlic + Butter = Perfect Recipe for Mussels 🍋

• Scroll To The Bottom - we have an unreal referral program and offer rewards for ONLY 1 referral 💸

🎣 Circle vs. J: Battle of the Hooks

When it comes to hooking and landing fish, your hook style can make or break your success. The two most popular options—circle hooks and J-hooks—each have their strengths. Here’s how to decide which one belongs at the end of your line.

Circle Hooks: Set It and Reel

Circle hooks are a favorite among conservation-minded anglers. They’re designed to hook the fish in the corner of the mouth, making them ideal for catch-and-release.

Why Use a Circle Hook?

• ✅ Reduces gut-hooking

• ✅ Ideal for slow, steady hooksets

• ✅ Great for live bait and bottom rigs

• ✅ Often required in saltwater regs

Best for Targeting:
• Catfish (especially with live or cut bait)
• Saltwater species like striped bass, redfish, snapper, and tuna
• Billfish (required in many tournaments)
• Big-game fish on baited rigs

Tip: Don’t “set” the hook like you would with a J-hook. Just start reeling when you feel the bite—let the hook do the work.

J-Hooks: Classic for a Reason

J-hooks have been around forever—and for good reason. They're sharp, versatile, and perfect for quick hooksets.

Why Use a J-Hook?

• ✅ Better for fast, aggressive bites

• ✅ Works well with artificial lures and fast retrieves

• ✅ Familiar and easy to find

• ⚠️ Higher risk of deep-hooking if set too hard

Best for Targeting:
• Largemouth and smallmouth bass (especially with soft plastics or jigs)
• Trout and panfish
• Pike and walleye
• Fast-striking saltwater species like mackerel or barracuda

Tip: Perfect your timing. Setting the hook too early or too hard can lead to deep hooking or missed fish.

The Verdict: Carry Both

Both hook types have their place. Keep circle and J-hooks in your tackle box so you can match your gear to the fish, the bait, and the moment.

Pro Tips from the Field

• Circle hooks shine when you’re distracted. If you’re juggling kids, snacks, or a second rod, the fish often hook themselves.
• Want better hookups with J-hooks? Sharpen them with a file before every trip. You’d be surprised how dull new hooks can be.
• Use offset circle hooks for slightly better hookup rates—but check your local regulations first.
• Keep some red hooks in your J-hook arsenal. Some anglers swear red mimics blood and draws more strikes.

Daily News for Curious Minds

Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440! Dive into 1440, where 4 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. We navigate through 100+ sources to deliver a comprehensive roundup from every corner of the internet – politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a quick, 5-minute newsletter. It's completely free and devoid of bias or political influence, ensuring you get the facts straight. Subscribe to 1440 today.

Sign up now!

🎣 IN THE FIELD

• A man in Georgia jumped into a river when he saw a game warden checking fishing licenses - you really can’t make this kind of stuff up.

• Some good circle hook tips for the catfish fisherman:

• Grayson Downs, a 24-year-old country singer-songwriter, made a splash before his wedding by sneaking in a quick fishing session just 30 minutes before the ceremony. Dressed in his tuxedo, he caught and released a fish, capturing the moment on TikTok. The video went viral with over 6.3 million views.

AI CORNER

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

💋 CHEF’S KISS - RECIPE OF THE WEEK

This is so simple, but such a treat: