Shad Fishing @ Discovery

I haven't fished for shad since the early 80's but back then I used a 10 wt fly rod with a type III shooting head, probably a 7 lb leader.  I tied up flys on # 6 hooks with chain eyes, little jig like things with bright green and red combo's.  Did good at Shanghi Bend on the Feather.  Watch yer footing if you go there, you need spike sandals or you will slip and get washed away.  A 10 wt rod is a bit of overkill, but the fish were pretty big, and did not stop fighting.  I don't think you would want to use anything less than a 7 wt.

Oh yeah Shanghai Bend on the Feather offered great action for shad years ago. Recently, I believe last year a portion of the waterfall gave away and it wasn't the same since.

I would use the 10wt also down there. The currents there are crazy and the fish were big 5lb hens.


Thanks for the info.

I haven't fished for shad yet and I hear they are so much fun to catch. Thanks for the report. I may come up to try and fish for them when time permits.

Jedmo

A trout rod
Sliding egg sinker and shad darts is what I use. I mainly fish Freeport  but have not gone in 2 years.
They are extremely boney but if you fillet them and mush them in the blender and add an egg to the mix then you can have a nice fish burger patty

when they are in they will bite one anything. i have seen them hit pieces of grass floating by. honestly it doesnt matter. you just have to have your line in the water when they are swimming by... this year i migh just try throwing in a bare jig head jus to prove my point. I will report back after i try that.... lol