The American Shad is the largest member of the herring family. They are a anadromous fish that spends most of their life in the ocean and return each spring to the freshwater rivers to spawn. Buck or the male of the species make the run up the Delaware River in early spring and the females or roes follow the bucks shortly thereafter. Spawning takes place in water temps in the 56-60 degree range on or near the surface in pools within the river. Juvenile shad then stay and grow in the river through the late spring and summer. Once water temperatures cool and fall rains arrive, the juvenile shad begin a mass migration out to the sea. Once in the open ocean these fish will grow and migrate up and down the East Coast until they are 3-4 years old and then will return to the river in which they were spawned to reproduce the cycle again. American Shad are often called the "poor man's salmon" due to their hard Pulling and sporting abilities on medium-spin tackle. Shad are among the strongest and hardest-fighting fish that are found in freshwater. Adult shad often reach an average size of4 to 8 pounds !. The current PA State record is 9 lbs. and nine ounces. The world record is II pounds 4 ounces! They are excellent table fare and also provide great fun when hooked on your line. Medium light spin tackle is my personal choice for catching Shad. A good quality spin-reel with a smooth drag from a quality manufacturer like (Penn); is recommended as these fish will pull your line and make several long runs before they can be brought to the net. A 6 1/2 to 7-foot medium action spin rod will suffice to catch shad. Line is also important as Shad have been know to shy away from too heavy a line and too light will break upon fighting these fish. Six pound test is what I recommend. Some go as high as eight pound test in a good quality line such as Berkley or Ande in a clear or low-visible green color. Lures are the traditional Shad darts or the lure that has brought the most success for me personally the Shad Flutter spoon also made in various colors and sizes. These can be found in local tackle shops or right here at the show. Shad hit these lures out of frustration as they do not feed while on their long river migration up the Delaware. Locating Shad can be done via boat or via wading from shore. Shore wading can be treacherous in the Delaware in the spring as the river is usually high from snow melt and spring rains. BE CAREFUL if you do wade as the Delaware River bottom is slick with algae and the river is cold and a spill could lead to hypothermia and DEATH if you are not properly equipped and are familiar with the river structure and depths. Daily creel limit is 6 fish for both Pennsylvania and New Jersey anglers: We from the DRFSA (Delaware River Shad Fisherman's Association) promote Catch and Release while a few fish can be retained as they do make excellent table fare. Due to increased water quality standards made in recent years, the Delaware River is on the rebound. Approximately 800,000 American Shad migrated up the Delaware in 1998 and each year the Shad population has been growing. Shad are now traveling up the Lehigh River at it's confluence on the Delaware in Easton, Pa. Last year close to 3,000 shad swam up the fish ladder in Easton to also spawn in the native grounds in the Lehigh River. The work of our dedicated members of the Delaware River Shad Fisherman’s Association has helped to preserve, promote and protect this historic fishery. Please help to keep this excellent fishery alive and growing into the millennium and beyond by becoming a member of the DRSFA and getting involved in this fine organization and this annual rite of spring by promoting and preserving this sporting fish into the 20'h century and beyond. See you on the Delaware..... .,Kevin Ingram, DRSFA member.
River Boating - Safety Tips ..... Do's and Don'ts 1. Start and Run your boat motor before casting off from the ramp. 2. Cold water is here in the spring time and Life Jackets are essential. Hypothermia and DEATH could result if you fall into the water during the cold water periods in the spring season. 3. Check and make sure your anchor and rope are ready....should you need to use it in a hurry. Also make sure your anchor is of the proper size and is of the grappling hook style as the river bottom is rock and gravel and only this style of anchor will properly secure your boat. 4. Wear your Life jackets while your boat is moving and make sure they are of proper fit and are Coast Guard approved and each boater has their own life jacket. 5. If your motor stalls out and will not start, immediately drop your anchor and stay anchored until you can start your motor and can insure it will continue to run. 6. Learn to read currents and rapids. When approaching other boats, stay clear of their boats and observe their anchor line as they may have several feet of anchor line out ahead of their boat to properly anchor their boat in swift or high water situations. If you turn close to their bow you could snag their anchor line and in the process put yourself and the anchored boat in a dangerous situation. 7. Remember.... you will need 7 feet of rope for every foot of water where you are anchored. That could equate to 50 to 100 feet of anchor line out at the bow of boat that you may be approaching or attempting to pass on the river. 8. Always approach your anchoring position from downstream.....drop your anchor off the bow of your boat while your engine is in neutral gear and slowly let out your anchor line until your boat's anchor grabs the river bottom. 9. Do not shut off your motor until you are certain that your anchor is secure and will not slip off easily. Learn to look at landmarks on the shore to make sure your boat is not drifting after you have anchored. IO. Stay calm and proceed as follows should your anchor break free: START YOUR MOTOR, THEN LET OUT A LITTLE MORE ROPE ONCE YOU ARE SURE THE ROPE IS OUT IN FRONT OF THE BOAT. PUT YOUR MOTOR IN GEAR TO SLOW YOUR DRIFT AND ANCHOR YOUR BOAT. Provided by the Delaware River Shad Fisherman's Association K.I.
Some of my Shad darts and homemade Flutter spoons use as lures for Shad. Color varies with water condition and available light.