Worthington Shad

[medfordguy]

I am heading up to Worthington for 3 days the first weekend of May with a few buddies. We're going for Shad for the first time and probably spend a half day on the Flatbrook. We've been up there for Smallies before like I said this is our first time targeting shad. Any pointers?

[JHbowhunter]

I am heading up to Worthington for 3 days the first weekend of May with a few buddies. We're going for Shad for the first time and probably spend a half day on the Flatbrook. We've been up there for Smallies before like I said this is our first time targeting shad. Any pointers?

 

Ideally that is a good week  for that area, but so much depends on the weather and river conditions.  I fish from Easton to Dingman's on regular basis and also fish the Worthington area a bit. Check in with me a few days before you go and I will try to give you some tips.

[medfordguy]

Appreciate it. Will do. What size/action rod do you use for Shad?

[JHbowhunter]

Appreciate it. Will do. What size/action rod do you use for Shad?

 

if I had to pick one rod, since I fish from both boat and shore - it would be 6.5 to 7', light to medium action, a quality reel with 300 yards of 6 or 8lb quality braid line. To further narrow down, make it 7' loaded with 8lb braid.  Find the 7' rod that is rated for like 6-12 lb line and you probably have the right action. A little softer in the tip, with some backbone for fighting big fish. So many quality reels hard to list just one. Find one that balances well on the rod you seek and can hold the line. I often splice in mono as some backing, then you can just leave enough room for 150 yards of braid. You want the reel to be "full" so it casts as far as possible.       For the "rig" - tie a 1/4 ounce inline sinker to the main line, and a 6-8lb floro leader, ideally about 3' long. a 1/32 or 1/16 ounce dart on the end. Many guys swear by the spoons, and they certainly do work as well.

[1957Buck]

Years ago I would Camp there and Kayak fish the Delaware from the Gap to Dingmans. As for the Shad, the stretch along the Campground is wide at times waist deep and they tend to stay mid-Channel and bank fishing is not a good choice, but for the northern end where the river splits into two sections that are Narrow and productive. even wading is a good option. but as was posted it all depends on water flow and timing. 

There also is a section south dead end of the campground along the bank that is super deep the shad hole up resting along with Strip Bass and many other Creatures  good luck I am sure there will be a lot more chatter come April - May