Post by teb67gt on Apr 28, 2016 13:30:54 GMT -5
Honestly the best way to learn is to go down there and watch how it is done. Keep an eye on the sharpies landing fish and just observe their technique. If the shad are in think they can be caught pretty much anywhere. Side is mostly western BUT there are occasions when they are generating more current on the eastern side which would draw the shad over there. Access is way better on the western side anyway.
I used shad darts most of the time. I just prefer them. Flutter spoons can be used. Most people use a 2 dart set up, with a larger dart on the top and smaller one about 2 feet below it on the same line. Avoid using 3 way swivels. Cast it out either slightly upstream or straight out and lightly jig it in or a steady/slow retrieve. You may need to experiment with depth and speed depending on water flow. Most hits come at the end of the drift. Just look around and if you aren't catching in one spot in a reasonable time then move around. Resist the urge to glom too close to someone else if they are catching. You may go for a swim if you do that.
Like I said, the best way to learn is to watch and go try. It is not hard but like anything else it takes time to develop the extra bit of expertise the can set you apart from the herd. I have been shad fishing for almost 30 years and do pretty well most of the time but there are guys who make me look like I don't know what I am doing sometimes.
I used shad darts most of the time. I just prefer them. Flutter spoons can be used. Most people use a 2 dart set up, with a larger dart on the top and smaller one about 2 feet below it on the same line. Avoid using 3 way swivels. Cast it out either slightly upstream or straight out and lightly jig it in or a steady/slow retrieve. You may need to experiment with depth and speed depending on water flow. Most hits come at the end of the drift. Just look around and if you aren't catching in one spot in a reasonable time then move around. Resist the urge to glom too close to someone else if they are catching. You may go for a swim if you do that.
Like I said, the best way to learn is to watch and go try. It is not hard but like anything else it takes time to develop the extra bit of expertise the can set you apart from the herd. I have been shad fishing for almost 30 years and do pretty well most of the time but there are guys who make me look like I don't know what I am doing sometimes.