Agree with everyone's comments...
You will be fine with any rod length but I use a 10' noodle rod with a larger arbor reel and 6# mono from the banks. This combo allows me to be able to throw 1/4oz darts and spoons with an inline weight a really good distance. The noodle rod and mono combo act as a shock absorber for when the fish make runs. These fish will give your drag a work out.
Vary your lures and retrieve to figure out what they want. Ask the other fisherman for advice. Unlike other types of river fishing, guys are more than willing to help each other out especially if you tell them it is your first time fishing for them. You might even be given a handful of lures.
Monitor the fishing reports to see where the shad are located and the water temps. The fishing will be more consistent with the water above 50.
You will be addicted once you get into them.
Good luck and see you out there!
Resources
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/fish_shad.htm
http://www.woofish.com/shad.html
Reports
http://drsfa.org/fishing-log
http://www.woofish.com/FISHREPORTS.html
Delaware Gauges
https://waterdata.usgs.gov/pa/nwis/current/?type=flow
Cheap Noodle Rod
https://www.amazon.com/Pinnacle-Vert...dp/B002TFCV2O/
Shad Lures
Ramsey Outdoors has darts
Dicks in Rockaway has darts and small spoons
http://www.woofish.com/
http://www.ebay.com/sch/russell_tackle/m.html?
http://www.ebay.com/sch/woofish/m.html?
