The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

Hey guys, since the Forks of the Delaware shad fishing contest is no longer taking place a group of us shad fishermen got together and turned a one day fun tournament into a four day contest. The goal is to bring back the tradition of Shad Fishing on the river and move it along into the future. I have been very involved in doing the website and helping to find sponsors. It is going to be a fun event and I'd like to invite all to enter or maybe help by being a sponsor promoting yourself, your business, or group. Thanks for looking. It would good to see you on the river.

Here is the link to the website. The sponsorship letter is on the last page. It tells where we are coming from and hopefully where we are headed.

http://www.shadfishingcontest.com

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

Love Shad fishing and looking forward to getting out there. Never entered any of the contest but thought I may this year. Shad fishing is a lot of fun and some of you nj fishing guys should give it a try. You may find you'll like it.

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

My father is a hardcore Shad fisherman. He's out there a few times a week when they are running. I sometimes go with when he starts picking up 20+ fish a trip. It's hard to say 'no' to that. I'm not into a contest, but I'll certainly pass the info along to him. And, yes, flatcreek, it's a lot of fun.

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

Only caught them Troutin in Hancock as a bonus catch.
You have my number:D

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

Yes, they are a lot of fun. I've been hooked for a lot of years. I'm looking forward to the run this year. The runs have been pretty incredible the last few years. I got involved in helping with this contest out of my passion for the fight of the shad. I hope to see a lot of New Jersey fisherman in it.

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

I've never fished for them but certanily interested in branching out. What is the timing of the run....generally at least. I see that the contest is from April 26 to 29 but how long does the run last and when do you start seeing them show up?

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

Im counting the days till the run. Even got a trip booked with the great Capt Dieter Scheel. Try it once and you will be hooked for life. No doubt about it. My buddy Rottilover showed me the ropes about 10 years ago and I can't get enough of it. There is nothing like when a pod passes through the channel your fishing. Fun is an understatement. This year I will be bringing my go pro to capture the enjoyment. Hopefully I can figure out how to post the video.

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

I love shad fishing, but have limited to shore line so tracking them down is sometimes challenging.

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

I caught my first shad of the year on opening day of trout last year and fishing remained good up into the end of May, the run has a lot to do with water temp, with the cold winter this year I figure the run will probably start a little later, they are a blast to catch when they are here in large numbers, double and even triple headers in the boat are common

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

This is my problem ive hooked and fought a couple but never landed one every yr i say this will be the yr! So like i say every yr this yr will be the yr i catch one!:mad:

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

Thanks for the info.

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

The key to catching them is finding where they are swimming and putting it right in their face. Many don't work hard enough at this point and give it up too soon. When the run is on it can be non stop action. Like anything else there is a method to the madness so to speak.

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

I'll give it a shot. I can do some Shad FIZZIN!!! Drag ripping SILVER MONSTERS!!!

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

PM returned crewchief

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

We're a little bit more than a month out and the lists are growing. There is always a last minute rush to get registered. So far the sign ups are ahead of last year and the sponsor list is growing every day. The response from the local community here has been great. We could always use more to help make this event exceptional for years to come. I have been updating the website all along adding new sponsors and announcing future meetings, events , and all news of importance. For those thinking about advertisement dollars this a is a good way to get your business, group or club out there to a lot of people. Feel free to check out the sponsorship opportunity page of the website.

http://shadfishingcontest.com/

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

Great light tackle fish , I love fishing them on fly tackle as well as spin. Yes u can catch plenty from shore if u find the correct holding water !
Also I believe the easiest way go catch plenty is via the fly rod !
Once u get that down pat you'll marvel at how many u can catch. !

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

Yes, Capt Lou, a lot of guys pursue them with a fly rod on the upper Delaware in middle May into June. No need to match the hatch, for sure.

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

I have boat (ok....14' with 5hp motor...almost a boat), but know nothing about shad fishing (or fishing the Big D in general).

Who's willing to share their knowledge in exchange for a boat ride?

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

That's Funny! If it floats it's a boat in my book dude. That rig will get you into most anything in Jersey with no problem that's for sure. Especially a bunch of smaller places where the big boys can't go....and that's a good thing!

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

I have 21' stern drive for the salt.....but to be honest, the little boat gets wet far more than the big one. :) (and I can go all day on a gallon of gas)

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

The 5hp is light for the river at normal flows. A 9.9 can struggle at times depending on the weight of the boat and its passengers w/ gear. However, there are some places where you can put the boat in and be able to get to the fish without too much trouble.

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

First Shad caught on the Delaware this weekend. One in Easton and one at Scudders Fall were reported. It's go time!!!:)

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

Five hp is a little weak for the river. I use a 9.9 on a 15ft and have no trouble, I usually launch out of Riegelsville, pretty calm there, I have used a 2.5 on a 12 and was fine there. One thing that should be mandatory on the river is a good anchor, one that will bite. I use a grapple and it should be rigged for the river, nylon ties or a slidder so you can back it out, but a 8# mushroom is just not going to get it. If your engine gives you trouble you go down river fast. Good to have a sharp knife handy to. If you get turned around in the current and the anchor line gets caught on the engine it will pull you backwards in the current and can fill the boat fast. Hope this helps, the river is a great place just respect it and be careful.

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

Water temps hit 43 degrees in Trenton yesterday. With these 3 days of warm rain we should be well on our way to getting into some shad. As soon as those water temps climb 4 or 5 more degrees it should be game on. I'm ready!! Been chomping at the bit to hit the Big D for my 25 th straight shad run . Wouldn't miss this for the world. Good luck!!

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

Hey guys there is a meet and greet, swap meet show and tell on April 8th at the Dyle Bray VFW post in Bangor PA. Everything shad with free eats...Would like to see you there.

Check out the website news and notes for info

www.shadfishingcontest.com

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

The Meet and Greet is tonight folks. Hope to see some of you there. 202Veterans Rd, Bangor PA

www.shadfishingcontest.com

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

There here!!!!:) Wilson

Re: The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest
 

There were hammered in the Easton area today. Two weeks to go until the contest. The prize structure is more than likely going to increase and you have to be in it to win it. Come on guys it is going to be a great event. Check out the fishing reports page at www.shadfishingcontest.com.