shad fishing

Every year, when the favorable conditions come together, anglers on the St Johns River on the east coast of Central Florida await the arrival of another visitor from the North…the American Shad. These fish migrate down the eastern seaboard from the bays and estuaries of areas as far north as the bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia. The adult Shad make there way South during the winter months to return to the freshwater rivers in which they were born. In our case the St Johns. These adult fish face the day-to-day perils of a life at sea with everything from predatory birds to marine mammals and a multitude of game fish trying to make a meal of them. This is the yearly cycle of the American Shad with the sole purpose of their journey being to return and spawn in the same waters they originated.

The American Shad returning to the St Johns will usually start to show up during the months of December through February with reports of fish being caught as early as November and as late as March. There are a variety of ways in which anglers can target these fish but the most illustrious is by means of fly fishing. A 4-5wt rod/reel with either a floating or sink tip fly line is the perfect combo. As far as fly choice that is up to what an angler is confident with and the cooperation of the fish. They will usually eat presentations used for Crappie and other panfish so there are a wide variety of options. Shad can be found at times jumping and rolling on the surface which will usually call for something fast and sub surface to induce an eat. At other times the fish are at the bottom at varying depths which takes a little more of an effort due to having to reach them in deeper water and in current. Ultralight spin gear works as well using the same type of patterns and presentation. The key is to experiment and go with whatever works. I myself will change tactics and patterns a couple times during the day as what works to start will sometimes change very quickly to stay in the action.

Although the American Shad is not quite as well known as some of Florida’s other targeted fish species they can offer a great way to get on the water when conditions may not be suitable for other types of fishing. That, and for there size, the American Shad is a hard fighting, acrobatic fish that some compare to a miniature Tarpon.

Tight Lines!!