The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest

[kcritch]

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?

[Predator]

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.

[acaravaglia]

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

[Walleyed]

Originally Posted by acaravaglia

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

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?

[kcritch]

Originally Posted by Walleye Wisherman

I have boat (ok....14" with 5hp motor...almost a boat),

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!

[Walleyed]

Originally Posted by kcritch

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!

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)

[Jetdrive]

Originally Posted by Walleye Wisherman

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?

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.

[flatcreek]

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

[flatcreek]

Originally Posted by Walleye Wisherman

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?

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.

[Rottilover]

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!!