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 your bait will be 100 feet high versus 100 feet underwater ✈️

• Numerous NFL players participated in a fishing tournament in Florida over the weekend 🏈

• Shrimp ceviche Mexican-style. Say no more 🦐

THE NEW RAGE - FISHING BY DRONE

You’re on the beach and you hear something buzzing above. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No my friend, it’s a drone.

Drones are gaining in popularity among fisherman worldwide. They offer two key advantages:

1. Scouting from above to identify cruising big game fish, bait, and other fishing structures

2. Deploying bait directly into the water lengthy distances from the drone operator

Fisherman in coastal areas especially have had crazy success with drone-assisted rigs. Here’s the low down on how you can incorporate this new tactic into your arsenal:

Scouting from Above:

• Drones provide a top-down view, aiding in locating fish and understanding underwater terrain.

• Use the drone's camera to spot fish clusters and observe shoreline features, weed lines, and color changes.

Deploying Bait:

• Rig the drone with a bait line to drop bait far beyond casting range, targeting larger predator fish.

• Specialized gannet release systems allow precise bait deployment.

• Employ a drop loop system to keep bait away from propellers and ensure balance.

Additional Tips:

• Carry spare batteries for extended flight time.

• Maintain a safe altitude to avoid disturbing fish and wildlife.

• Utilize the drone for initial reconnaissance and position adjustments.

• Avoid relying solely on the drone to find fish; combine it with traditional methods such as fish finders.

• Make sure you avoid using the Return to Home feature when scouting from a drifting boat.

• Practice mid-air drone retrieval to avoid landing difficulties.

While there’s a part of me that thinks it ridiculous that drones are being used for big game fishing, I also see huge opportunity for shore fisherman that don’t have access to boats, kayaks, or float tubes.

Just make sure your batteries are charged or that could be a quick $1k down the drain.

Upwards and onwards…

🎣 IN THE FIELD

• If it is on your bucket list to go fishing in Alaska, this article will have you salivating at the mouth

• The Sport Fishing Championship held a sportfishing tournament in Fort Lauderdale, FL, with a star studded group of NFL players including Jameis Winston and Alvin Kamara. Here’s Alvin Kamara reeling in a Mahi Mahi.

• These guys somehow managed to catch a tune from shore via a drone rig.

• Is this video of The Rock catching a fish real? Some suspect he’s acting even on his days off.

AI CORNER

Every week I generate outrageous fishing related AI images. Check these out:

CHEF’S KISS

🦐🍽️ A shrimp ceviche recipe in ~ 2 minutes.

🍳 A great recipe for pan searing tuna. This is a great alternative to a weekend steak night.

🐟 NSWF - the A to Z on how to clean a live Eel. Not for the faint of heart.