In 2005, shad fishing
in the Aulne continued to the end of May whilst in 2006, the shad run
lasted into June. During a morning or evening session it is not
uncommon for you can hook up with over a dozen or so fish, but
whether you land them depends on a myriad of factors, not least of
which is the shad's determination and strength to change the outcome
of events. For more info on catching these fine fish please click on
the shad icon below to read the article
that Sam wrote for www.sexyloops.com.
Enjoy it, then afterwards book an exciting day shad fishing with Sam.
Equipment Guide (go
lighter if you dare...)
Those anglers who elect to bring their own
angling gear are welcome to do so as your enjoyment depends in large
part on being comfortable and confident. Please use and return to
this guide as required:
Rod:
9ft to 10ft 7/8 weight with good backbone (butt strength) and good
tip recovery (fast-ish action). For some anglers a 10ft rod enables
them to increase their chances of catching a shad on the dangle (same
approach when fishing loch-style). Please bring lighter AFTMA outfits
if you want to increase your 'play time' once a shad is hooked. Don't
be surprised if you catch a salmon when fishing for shad. I witnessed
this in 2005.
Reel:
Large arbour with good amount of backing and decent drag (you will
need it).
Fly Lines:
Depending on river flow and water height, I normally bring a
combination of the following lines: Hi-D, floating line with sink
tip, clear intermediate, aka: 'slime line', floating line with clear
sink or 'ghost' tip, and a good floating line. The most useful fly
line to use in most conditions is the floating line with sink tip.
Leader/Tippet:
Knotted or knotless leaders are fine. Tippet material consisting of
good quality 'low-viz' monofilament or fluorocarbon in breaking
strains ranging from 5lb to 8lb will do the job nicely.
Flies:
Weighted nymphs in hook sizes from 10 to 4 with good contrast colour
combinations work best (examples above). Go to the shad article I
wrote, do a google search e.g. 'fly for shad fishing' or look at C.
Boyd Pfeiffer's book, Shad Fishing
(ISBN: 0-8117-3067-0, published by Stackpole
Books) for inspiration.
Great Eating
Contrary to what John Bailey said in his
Allis shad fly fishing episode of On the Fly with John Bailey,
this fish is one of the best which has ever graced an angler's table.
It is nothing short of delicious, especially when a freshly-caught
shad is hot smoked with some beech dust or chips. Look at this
culinary beauty. It only took 25 minutes.
