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 bass have no chill when it comes to topwater strikes ⚡️
Montana is under a heat warning that is affecting trout in the worst way 🔥
A seafood linguine recipe that is good enough to make it on your menu this weekend 🐟

Blowups & Bass: Mastering Topwater Strikes

There’s nothing like a bass blowing up on a topwater lure. It’s chaotic. It’s violent. It’s why you woke up at 4:45 a.m. with coffee in one hand and hope in the other.

But turning that surface explosion into an actual fish in your net? That takes some finesse.

Slow Your Roll

Most folks work a topwater lure like they’re trying to chase the fish away. Chill. Let it sit for a few seconds after the cast. That pause is pure magic—twitch-twitch... pause. Let them come to you.

Don’t Set the Hook Like a Maniac

This is the mistake everyone makes (yes, us too). You see the blowup and swing like you're trying to hit a home run. Instead, wait until you feel weight. THEN hit ‘em.

Vary Your Angles

If you're casting at the same spot from the same spot, you're doing it wrong. Fan-cast. Walk parallel to shore. Hit the shady side. Bass hide in weird spots. Present your lure like it’s confused and lost.

Pro Tips You Didn’t Know You Needed

No fluoro. It sinks and ruins the action. Go mono or braid.
Stock hooks are trash. Sharpen ‘em or swap ‘em.
Missed a blowup? Don’t reel in. Twitch it once like it’s injured. Boom—second strike incoming.
Fishing at night? Use black lures. They silhouette better in the moonlight.

Topwater fishing is about rhythm, not chaos. Get your cadence right and next time you hear that splash—it’s game on.

Here’s some inspiration that we’ll leave you with:

🎣 IN THE FIELD

Due to rising water temperatures and low flows, Montana has placed fishing restrictions on 13 rivers and Yellowstone National Park has closed multiple waterways to protect vulnerable trout populations. These emergency measures aim to reduce stress on fish during the hottest part of the day—because even trout need a break from the summer heat
Ed Stein came to fly fishing later in life, but quickly turned it into a passport to the world—traveling from Mongolia to Montana with a rod in hand and purpose in his stride. Now a guide and founder of Flyfish Traveler, he’s proof it’s never too late to find your calling—as long as you’re okay with carrying your office on your back and getting heckled by trout.
Well worth the watch if you’re looking for a masterclass on topwater lure selection: