Shad fishing from a kayak

ok so they areprobably the same species my grandfather used to dip net on the chesapeake back in the 1930's & 40's...

I believe that the East coast and West coast shad are the same species. They are native to the East coast and are an introduced species on the west coast.

Are they edible?

Shad was the very first fish my oldest son caught on his 4th birthday. Every year we return to our favorite spot below the falls on the Willy for more Shad fishing. This is a great opportunity for getting kids excited about fishing because it can be so productive. If anyone is looking to target oversized Sturgeon, here's a chance. They're also excellent crab bait too! That's mainly what we use them for. I usually just cut them into big chunks and freeze for crabbing. The super oily meat drives the crabs nuts and is about the best crab bait I've found yet..
jmr

My BIL smoked up a bunch once - they were pretty tasty, but very bony. Oily too. I think they might be related to herring.

Are they edible?

They saved the continental army at Valley Forge from starvation.  Without the American shad we may have a queen on our money.

Shad fishing on the Umpqua can be off the hook!
Yellow Creek Boat ramp off Hwy 138 about 12 miles SE of Elkton is one spot where they stack up.
Another good one would be Sawyers Landing--a private RV park/boat Launch with a small waterfall that stacks them up very well from early May until the first of July.
Most any place that constricts their passage is a good place to fish for them.
Good luck!

Are they edible?

Yeh i think they are. I think remember great grandma talking about making gefeiltefish (sp?) with shad...geesh now gotta shake the family tree for an answer on that....

Are they edible?

I smoke them like salmon and then can them. The bones just melt away.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk

Are they edible?

I smoke them like salmon and then can them. The bones just melt away.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk

Me too. It's awesome that way.  Some of the best crab bait I've ever used, too

New to the forum, but have been coming as a guest for a couple months!  Will be moving to Lakewood, WA in the next 2 months so Im very excited, all new species and bodies of water so I cant wait to learn!!

But Shad fishing is something I do here in VA. (when they're in season)  We have 2 main types of Shad other then the threadfin which are much smaller bait fish.  We have the Hickory Shad and the American Shad.  Both are great fun on light tackle and Monsters on Ultra lights!  Tackle:  Usually 2" curly tail grubs (various colors based upon the water condition) on a 1/2 oz jig head.  I usually run 2 jigs a line.  One on the bottom and the other 8-12" up tied using a loop knot.  Sometimes I will swap the bottom jig for a 1/2 silver or gold spoon.

Personally I have never eatin them but many people do.  They seem to salt the fish and fry them up after 1-2 months in the salt.  I guess it somewhat dissolves the bones, so Im told.  Others will eat just the Roe fried up and use the rest of the fish for cut bait which is what I do if any come home with me. (cutbait)  They make awesome catfish bait.

I've only banked fish for them. Usually with shad darts. Welcome!

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk

Our friends at Big Hammer make a perch grub that is killer on shad.  Oh, it works pretty damn good on bonefish too.  DAMHIK!   

-Allen

Our friends at Big Hammer make a perch grub that is killer on shad.  Oh, it works pretty damn good on bonefish too.  DAMHIK!   

-Allen

I'm gonna have to order some. Thanks

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk

Our friends at Big Hammer make a perch grub that is killer on shad.  Oh, it works pretty damn good on bonefish too.  DAMHIK!   

-Allen

Pack of 50 is only $4.79....heck of a deal! I like the Glow bug, Chartreuse Flash, Silver Shad & Sea Wolf colors. What do you like?

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk