Shad Fishing @ Discovery

Went out shore fishing for Shad over the weekend. Hit the park at 5:30pm fished till 7:20. In that time slot, i caught 5 and lost 4 next to shore. And countless strikes.

Used an ultra light rod with fast action 7'6" Clarus, paired up with a shimano reel, and 6lb test line. Using a 1/2 ounce weight and jig setup, I would cast out as far is it would go and retrieve it at the slowest pace possible.

Strikes almost every other cast, setting the hook on these softmouths can be a challenge.

Welcome aboard and thanks for the fishing report Steelheadmaster.  Have you try using the circle hooks to catch these soft-mouth Shads.

Are you referring to Octopus hooks?

Welcome aboard and thanks for the fishing report Steelheadmaster.  Have you try using the circle hooks to catch these soft-mouth Shads.

The activist is not the man who says the river is dirty. The activist is the man who cleans up the river.

Shad normally strike hard enough to hook themselves, but if you do set, no need to set hard.

Are you referring to Octopus hooks?

Welcome aboard and thanks for the fishing report Steelheadmaster.  Have you try using the circle hooks to catch these soft-mouth Shads.

A circle hook is defined as a point that points 90 degrees back towards the shank.  Octopus hooks aren't always circle hooks although they do make Octopus Circles hooks too.

Thanks for the heads up Steel. I live 5 min from the upper AR. I need to fly to Boston for some family stuff but I'll be back early next week.
Striper candy fishing, oh yes!

Thanks guys!
I haven't tried the circle hooks, not sure if they have jigheads with circle hooks.

I live a block away from the Gristmill access on the AR. Took a quick jog in the evening, saw a few guys fishing for shad from shore and a fella of a yak. The guys wading in caught a few. The run should get better  in the next two weeks. I can get out after this semester ends. PM if you are interested in details about hitting that area up for stripers and shad.

Artem

Smoking report!!! Welcome and thanks for the info.

Thanks for the update. I'm looking to get out there Sunday with the fly rod.

that is what i wanted to hear... probably this weekend they will be moving by the s. watt bridge which is my stompin grounds... i will go get em and post pictures when i get em.

anyone want to meet up and get some bank time in.. i have a pretty good spot that i frequent for shad... has never let me down yet. no one fishes it unless they just stumble across it...Pm me if you are interested.

Got 14 to hand on Sunday. Will be heading out today after work.

For fly rod'ers I am using a type 2 shooting head.


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Thanks for the update. I'm looking to get out there Sunday with the fly rod.

Welcome, I've always wanted to try fly fishing for shad, I have a fly rod setup. But need some info/direction on what type of fly's to use, and any technique used to catch these fish.

Thanks

Thanks for the update. I'm looking to get out there Sunday with the fly rod.

Welcome, I've always wanted to try fly fishing for shad, I have a fly rod setup. But need some info/direction on what type of fly's to use, and any technique used to catch these fish.

Thanks

Right now you want to be using a type 2 line with these low flows.  As for flies you want to use something that is red and about a size 10.  You will basically be swinging flies.  Leader size is not important as they are not leader shy, I recommend a 8 pound minimum for a tippet since they are strong pulling fish.  I use a 7 weight rod since I use shooting heads, but you could go as low as a 6 weight.   PM me with any more questions and I will tell you what I know.


The original recipe created by my good friend Jeff Ching.

Bloody Maria

Hook:   Targus or TMC 2457 Size 10

Bead:   3.2 mm gold bead

Tail:   16 strands of pearl UV krystal flash (one whole strand folded over/cut 4 times)
Small turf of pearl UV ice dubbing
2 strands of small pearl flashabou
Final length about 1/2”

Body:   Red Danville Flymaster+ (keep body thin)

Rib:   Chartreuse BR wire

Head:   White Danville Flymaster+ (tie partially up on the bead)

Thanks a bunch!