American Shad Run 2014 The Big D

[Predator]

So after battling tough river and fishing conditions the previous two trips my third time was a charm. Arrived at the Gap area with Rottilover around 3pm this past Sunday, sorry for the late report. After getting dressed and walking down to the river and seeing the fine water conditions we immediately got a good vibe that todays outing would trump the last two. From 3:30-6:00 the action was slow with Rotti landing two average size bucks. But conditions were perfect and we kept the faith. Especially knowing magic hour was ahead of us. So just as the sun stopped shining on the water the Shad woke up. The action was fast and steady from 6pm -7:30. After all said and done Rottilover was high man as usual on the day with double digit Shad caught. While I trailed behind in single digits. All fish were caught on different colored flutter spoons. Overall it was a tremendous day spent on the Gorgeous Delaware River. Cant wait to do it again…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUy7rRFkuv8

[Rottilover]

What a great afternoon we had Sunday. Lots of laughs and lots of Shad. Wading for Shad in the Delaware is very challenging in my opinion. That's what makes it so much more fun. Standing in cold water for hours at a time and battling the wind most days in the Spring makes it very challenging. However, there really isn't anything better then battling a shad on 6 lb test. With these rains we've had I hope the river is fishable this Sunday because I know the part of the river we fish is loaded with Shad.

[ScowardNJ]

Nice work! Great camera action also!

[AndyS]

GOTTA love shad !!!!

[FASTEDDIE29]

Nice job fellas!!! Every angler should experience the power of a Shad at least once in there lifetime. Fun fish without a doubt. TIGHT LINEZ!!!:D

[crewchief2]

Do you mind if i ask how you rig the flutter spoons when your wading? I have only used them on downriggers. thanks

[Wilson]

Do you mind if i ask how you rig the flutter spoons when your wading? I have only used them on downriggers. thanks
While I'm no expert, I would use about a 2 foot fluorocarbon leader maybe 8 lb. test, with a barrel swivel and a egg sinker above the swivel.
Weight of the egg matched to the speed and depth of the water your fishing.
Try bending the spoon slightly inward where the hook meets the spoon to give it a little more flutter action.
I'm sure someone else on the board has the "A" answer.

Good luck

[Predator]

Do you mind if i ask how you rig the flutter spoons when your wading? I have only used them on downriggers. thanks

Attach spoon directly to one end of a 30 inch 6# leader of fluorocarbon and other end to a 1/4 or 3/8 keel weight or swiveling trolling sinker. Then other end of sinker to your 8# main line of mono. Cast upstream around 2:00 and reel in slowly and tight riding the current. Most hook ups occur around 10:00.. Enjoy and good luck.

[Wilson]

Attach spoon directly to one end of a 30 inch 6# leader of fluorocarbon and other end to a 1/4 or 3/8 keel weight or swiveling trolling sinker. Then other end of sinker to your 8# main line of mono. Cast upstream around 2:00 and reel in slowly and tight using the current. Most hook ups occur around 10:00.. Enjoy and good luck.
Do you get snagged much? Just asking:confused:

[Predator]

Very few snags Wilson. We have a nice clean spot it seems. Every year very few lost spoons or weights.

[Rottilover]

Wilson, just a helpful hint on getting snagged while wading for Shad. I have found that the further you throw upstream the more of a chance you have of getting snagged. I usually like to cast between 12 and 1 o'clock but as Predator said really nothing past 2:00. Hope it helps . Good luck

[Wilson]

Wilson, just a helpful hint on getting snagged while wading for Shad. I have found that the further you throw upstream the more of a chance you have of getting snagged. I usually like to cast between 12 and 1 o'clock but as Predator said really nothing past 2:00. Hope it helps . Good luck
Yeah I know the casting spots, there same for all river fishing. I just thought weights your using were a little heavy, but you know your spot.
Are you fishing 4 lb. test?

[Rottilover]

4 lb test is too light forShad in the Delaware. I use 8 lb mono with 6 lb fluorocarbon leader.