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 truth about how long fishing line lasts (even when stored in perfect conditions) 🎣
The pros and cons of mono, fluorocarbon, and braid fishing line 🧑🔬
A trout filleting hack to ensure ALL the bones are removed 🐟
And last, but not least, Happy Fourth of July! #USA
🎣 Spooled and Spoiled
Fishing line might not look like it has an expiration date—but it does. Whether it’s sealed in a package or already spooled up, time, sun, and use can all wear it down. And when it goes bad, it usually lets you know at the worst possible moment—like mid-fight with a trophy fish.
🗃️ Shelf Life (Unopened):
Monofilament: 2–3 years if stored cool, dark, and dry
Fluorocarbon: 5 to 7+ years thanks to UV and moisture resistance
Braided Line: 7–10+ years; nearly unaffected by time if stored properly
♻️ On-the-Reel Lifespan:
Monofilament: 1 season to 2 years; UV and water degrade it quickly
Fluorocarbon: 1–3 years; strong against UV but can suffer knot stress
Braided Line: 3–5+ years; holds up over time but watch for fraying
Tips to Keep Line Fresh:
Rinse your line with fresh water after every saltwater trip to prevent salt buildup, which can weaken it over time. Store all line—whether spooled or packaged—in a cool, dark, and dry place to avoid heat and UV damage. Trim a few feet off your line regularly, especially after snags or tough fights, to remove worn sections. Flip your braid every season or so to use the fresher backing and extend its lifespan.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a line conditioner on monofilament and fluorocarbon. A few spritzes before your trip can reduce memory (coiling), improve casting, add UV protection, and keep your line slick as it flies through the guides.
Bottom line: Fishing line doesn’t last forever, but with smart care and timely replacement, you’ll land more fish and lose fewer fights.
🎣 IN THE FIELD
An overzealous almaco jack apparently didn’t get the memo about size limits—Virginia angler Warren Poirier reeled in a jaw-dropping 56‑lb, 4.8‑oz monster off the Outer Banks, utterly demolishing North Carolina’s old record by more than 22 pounds in an epic 45‑minute tug‑of‑war.
A great overview and straight to the point review of fluoro vs. mono vs. braid:
This study will make you question whether the introduction of technology like fish finders and depth finders are worth it in the long run:
AI CORNER
Every week we generate fishing related AI images. See the coolness/weirdness below:
💋 CHEF’S KISS - RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Nothing is worse than letting pesky pin bones ruin your fresh caught trout. Here’s a solid technique to remove them:
