Shad rod/reel

Can anyone give me  some suggestions on a mid level rod and reel for american shad? Looking for a lightweight spinning setup....any suggestions appreciated.

Depends.  I've used everything from a 5.5' ultralight to a 10.5' light steelhead rod.  They all work, depending on what style of fishing you are doing.  Since I spend a fair amount of time fishing shad with a bobber and jig, I tend to grab the long light steelhead rod more often than not, and it still works for drift fishing without a bobber.  The longer rod isn't necessary, but it helps with longer casts and mending the line for long drifts.  Fishing for shad is not something I personally would buy a special rod for, because you can make just about any rod work effectively, but if you really want to, I'd get the longer rod as it offers you a bit more flexibility.

-Allen

Depends.  I've used everything from a 5.5' ultralight to a 10.5' light steelhead rod.  They all work, depending on what style of fishing you are doing.  Since I spend a fair amount of time fishing shad with a bobber and jig, I tend to grab the long light steelhead rod more often than not, and it still works for drift fishing without a bobber.  The longer rod isn't necessary, but it helps with longer casts and mending the line for long drifts.  Fishing for shad is not something I personally would buy a special rod for, because you can make just about any rod work effectively, but if you really want to, I'd get the longer rod as it offers you a bit more flexibility.

-Allen

Like Pepe said.
I use trout rod 7’6” w/ 8lb test. Longer is better.

From a boat I use a 7’ ultra light and 6#. Makes for a fun fight!

 Thanks everybody for the responses… I do have a salmon steelhead rod with a penn battle 4000 right now, and I also have an ultralight trout rod. I thought the salmon steelhead rod was a bit too much, and the trout rod was a bit too little so I was looking for something in between. But before I put down the cash I think I'll try those two and just see how things go.  This is my first year fishing for them and I really can't wait....just hoping I can find a spot where I'm not elbow to elbow with other people.  Combat fishing ain't my idea of a good time.

7’ trout rod. I used 8 lbs line. Usually fish them pass the bridge @freeport.   

Use the ultralight!!! Test your skills.  the 4000 is way overkill. 

Bushy

Shakespeare Agility rod 7 foot UL...25.00
Pflueger Trion reel.  40.00
4 lb test

Cheap setup I've caught thousands of shad on. They have the rods at Fishermans Warehouse or amazon.reels are in stock at BPS or Sporstmans.

Shakespeare Agility rod 7 foot UL...25.00
Pflueger Trion reel.  40.00
4 lb test

Cheap setup I've caught thousands of shad on. They have the rods at Fishermans Warehouse or amazon.reels are in stock at BPS or Sporstmans.

this is the guy who KNOWS!

~B

Don't invest money in a shad rod. Just use a trout rod or light bass rod 4-8 lbs test works good 4 foot lead and a shad dart in  pink white or green will do the trick

Also don't forget to bring your striper rod. 

What is the best set up method to catch shad? I didn’t do well last year.