Shad fishing

From OKFC Wiki

This is an article written by Mainsail John [1]

We will be adding additional pictures in the future. Please feel free to write additional spin-off threads and contribute to the OKFC knowledge on Shad fishing.

[edit] Introduction

Most Orlando Kayak Fishing Club members enjoy fishing for reds and trout in Mosquito Lagoon, as well as, the Indian and Banana Rivers. I have found, however, that there are days when I’m short of time, or the wind is not cooperating on the coast. Sometimes I just want to be on the amazing St. John’s River. It turns out that there are some great alternative fishing opportunities.

One of them is an often overlooked shad fishery right here in Central Florida. In the past, shad fishing attracted hundreds of fishermen to the “Shad Derby.” It was very much a social event. People would gather along the bank or in boats, and talk while fishing. You would hear some great stories, some of which might even be true. Efforts are now underway to bring back the derby. Some things have changed, however, and one of them is the growing use of kayaks for fishing. Kayaks are a perfect way to access the St. John’s River. Most shad trips are short to medium paddle distances. Shad fishing from a kayak is just plain fun!

There are many articles online filled with scientific information about shad. For that reason, I am going to focus mostly on catching them. Once you find out how much fun they are, you will probably want to research more on your own. At a minimum, here is what you need to know.

Shad represent a couple of species, all of which are usually no more than four pounds in weight. They make up for their small size with great runs and jumps when caught on light tackle. They remind many of catching small tarpon. Adult shad are a migratory fish which spawn and then die in the St. John’s River, much like salmon do in other areas. After hatching, the fry live in the river for an extended period, and then migrate all the way back to Newfoundland. Because of their lengthy stay as hatchlings, they are a prime source of food for other game fish. What follows is from my own experience, as well as from articles and talks with guides and locals.

[edit] When to Fish

• The traditional shad run is late December until early May. No one can predict when they will arrive in numbers, so watch the fishing reports starting in December.
• Some years there are great runs, and some years the runs are poor. In 2009, the shad run was excellent. When the run is good, these fish are fun to catch on light tackle. 2010 is looking good so far.
• Shad spawn at water temperatures between 50 and 74 degrees. If the water is too warm, they may hold in cooler water areas. Reports mention catching shad in the St. John’s River near the Wekiva River, the Econ, and beyond all the way to highway 50.

Places to Go

• Cameron Wright Park. 5 miles east of US 17-92 on SR 46, at Lake Jessup bridge
• C.S. Lee Park Boat ramp and up the Econ. 15 miles east of US 17-92 on SR 46. Unless you know the Puzzle Lake area, it might not be a good idea to kayak too far beyond the Econ.
• Mullet Lake ramp: 4.2 miles east of Sanford to Mullet Lake Park Road, go 2.2 miles to ramp.
• St. John’s River/Lemon Bluff Ramp: Heading south on CR 415 from Osteen, go 1.5 miles. Turn onto Lemmon Bluff Road. Go 3.7 miles to boat ramp on your right.
• State Road 50 Bridge area
• Hatbill Park

[edit] Fishing Techniques

Shad like water 6 to 8 feet deep, if available, and with current. Look for high banks and river bends as these are usually the deeper areas. Mix up your fishing efforts to see what best produces shad. Try fishing while sitting in the kayak, standing, walking or wading. You can paddle to high bank areas, and then walk along the bank fishing. I enjoy wading shoals while casting into deeper water. Slow trolling works sometimes works well in a kayak. Once you locate fish, thoroughly work that area. Keep in mind that bass, specs and many other fish share the shad habitat. Working an area with spinning gear is a good way to locate shad. Then switch to fly fishing gear for even more fun.

SAFETY NOTES: The water depth will vary from inches to perhaps eight feet and there will be current. We also share the St. John’s River with other boaters, so be sure you can be seen at all times. The St. Johns River is a good place to wear a PFD! Because of the varied water depths, I have found that an anchor works better than a stake out pole.

Presentation

• Deep and slow
• Across the current
• Let lure sink to the bottom as it drifts
• At end of drift, twitch lure a few times
• On a fly rod, slowly strip 6 inches at a time

Light Spinning Rod and Reel or Ultra Light

• Light rod with spinning reel
• 6’-7’ light rod and reel
• 6-10 pound test braided line and fluorocarbon leader

Spinning Lures

• Small darts and spoons (Nungesser Shad rigs are available at Bitters.)
• Red and/or pink Rooster Tails (These were HOT last year)

Fly Fishing Rods

• 3, 4 or 5 weight rods will work well for shad.

Fly Fishing Lures

• 1 inch white muddler
• Pink Little Richards
• St. John’s Shad Fly (choose bright colors like chartreuse, red and white, orange or pink)
• Crazy Charlie (bright colored and weighted)

Fly Fishing Line and Leaders

• Fluorocarbon, 9-foot, tapered leader, 2X to 0X size, sinking line.
• While a sinking line is ideal for shad fishing, I only had a floating line last year and it still worked. In a pinch, regular 6 pound fluorocarbon leader material can serve as a tippet. Try a small pinch weight to get the lure to the bottom. Note: If you use a sinking line, try repeatedly roll casting to get the line to the surface before making a full back cast.

[edit] Limit

10 per day

[edit] Cooking Shad

While there are recipes online for cooking shad, many people report that they are not fans of eating shad. If you try it, please let us know how it went! However, everything that swims eats them, so I’m thinking about freezing cut shad instead of mullet to try on redfish and black drum.

One last thought on the future of shad fishing and fishing in general. Local governments are looking hard at using the St. Johns River as a source of water. Once started, there will be inevitable negative consequences for one of the country’s greatest historical rivers. Get involved and help protect this unique resource for your children.

Author Mainsail John