There are members of the herring family that live in the ocean but are born in freshwater each spring.East Coast natives are now found in abundance in the west.They're caught for food and sport, but also used as bait for larger fish like blue catfish, bass, or stripers.
Step 1: The fish for shad are in coastal rivers.
The sea and coastal rivers are where the shal travel in the spring to breed.They are nicknamed "poor man's salmon" because they can travel hundreds of miles upstream.Unlike salmon, most shad don't die after they hatch.The best places to fish for shad are in the Western US.The Connecticut river is the best place to find shad in the eastern US.As far south as Florida, shad can be found.
Step 2: In the summer and spring, you can catch fish.
The best time to fish for shal is during the spring and summer when they return to the rivers for easier access.Most people start fishing in April and May.
Step 3: There's a strong current.
You want to catch the fish when they swim upstream.The shore has less drag from the current.The current in the river tends to propel fish toward the shore, so look for areas where there is a bend.The water flows from fast to slow below the rocks and islands.They are behind cover that creates a break in the current.
Step 4: There are fish in waters between 4 and 10 feet deep.
It's easy to catch shad in places where the water is less than 4 feet deep.To find out where you should set up shop, check out the fishing guides.
Step 5: A fish can be found within 30 feet of the bank.
Since fish tend to hug the shore in an effort to avoid the current as they swim upstream, you're more likely to catch them if you cast within 30 feet of the bank.Depending on where you're fishing, you might want to anchor a small boat to give you more casting freedom.
Step 6: A lightweight rod and line is required.
The fishing rod does not need to be heavy.fiberglass is lightweight and can be used for a long, lightweight spinning or fly rod.You can find the lightest line in your region.
Step 7: barbless hooks are used.
It will be easier to release fish that you don't want to catch.1 or 2 works of either silver or gold are sufficient.
Step 8: You should use the right bait.
To catch larger, heavier shad, you'll need to individually attract them with the right bait and lures.Try different things with the fish in your area.Red-headed flies are popular.The deeper the shad are, the more beads should be used to lure them.The beads will slowly float towards the shad if they are cast from upstream.The beads will bounce off the bottom if you include enough weight.When fishing in cooler water, darts should be used.They will sink faster than a fly.When fishing from shore, spinners should be used.At mid-level water, spoons work most efficiently.When fishing from a boat, use these.At a medium speed.
Step 9: If you want to catch smaller fish, use a net.
You need the correct mesh for your casting net.The bigger the mesh holes, the smaller the shad will fall through.A typical cast net is 7 feet in diameter and weighs 2 pounds with a mesh of 1.3 cm.Prepare the net by soaking it in hot water and fabric softener in a washing machine or tub to make it easier to throw.For a day, lay it outside in the sun.The net will be easier to use once dry.
Step 10: Learn how to do it.
The water's location varies with the weather.You can catch them at any time of day, but if you look for them in the early evening you can find them.The back of a cove or creek is where shad can be found in the evenings.There are sources of light during mornings and after dark.You will need to plan for the cold weather in the fall.The deeper the water, the harder it will be to catch the shad.
Step 11: Cast downstream.
The best way to fish is to cast upstream and let your line float with the current.It shouldn't sink so far that it gets stuck.It will cross the path of a school.Try for a spot where the fast current meets slower waters, and make sure you're casting within 30 feet of the shore.
Step 12: Try to find it.
Shad travel in single file lines.It's easy to go home empty handed after a day of fishing if you miss the line by a few feet or even inches.Don't give up if your first few castings do not work out.
Step 13: It's a good idea to cast in the same spot more than once.
Don't stop fishing when you find that line.There are bound to be more if there is only one.A fisherman's ability to go home with a cooler full of fresh fish at the end of the day is a reason why shad fishing is popular.