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by 
2009
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Shad fly fishing attracts male
and female
fly anglers from around
the world |
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Sam's IGFA
All Tackle Fly-Caught
World
Record Allis Shad |
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Why the 'world
class'
claim above? In the past few years numbers of Allis
shad (Alosa alosa)
returning to the river Aulne have been huge by shad standards. In May
2005, Sam caught the current world All-Tackle record shad which
practically doubled the weight of the previous record which was
caught in southern France, and is the second largest shad on record
to be caught via International Game
Fish Association IGFA standards.
Return of a Wild Species
For those tempted to
give these 'turbocharged kippers' a try, starting in mid-April
a frenzy starts as growing numbers of adult shad move upstream
side-by-side with the Atlantic salmon to spawn in the lower reaches.
However, unlike Atlantic salmon which normally return again to spawn
in their natal streams, the Allis shad's first spawning run normally
ends in death which is an event shared with the Pacific salmon.
However, the demise of these 'minature tarpon' releases nutrients
back into the river system for their progeny, other fish species, and
non-fish river denizens.
In 2005, shad fishing
in the Aulne continued to the end of May whilst from 2006 to present,
the shad run lasted into June until water temperature is too high and
the life force of the shad are spent. 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.
Permits
Day stamps for shad
fishing are only 10€ but this restricts where you can fish
within the weir because the same area is also good for returning
Atlantic salmon as well. Sam recommends that you also purchase a salmon
stamp of 30€ (one time charge) in addition to your daily
shad stamp (or yearly fishing permit in case you are fishing for a
week or more), so the angler can take advantage of angling for both
species without restriction. Where else can you fish for two great
game species as cheaply?
Equipment Guide (not
a place for rods with spaghetti action)
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:
Single-handed Fly Rod:
9ft to 10ft 7/8 weight with good backbone (butt strength) and fast
tip recovery (i.e. as fast an action as you can handle as these fish
have a reputation of lighting bites). 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.
Double-handed Fly Rod: Those owning
small double handers in the 8 to 11 wt. range can really enjoy
fishing for shad especially when the water is flowing fast and you
simply want to keep the fly on station especially when wading or
fishing the middle of a stretch from one of the stone weir groins.
With the longer handle the angler can simply switch arms to reduce fatigue.
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. Don't forget to look at Sam's
fly gallery link at the top of the page. These flies are easy to tie
or buy from tackle shops. For those who like to tie their own, use
your imagination as shad like to hit brightly-coloured mini-lures and nymphs.
World Record Possibilities
In 2005, Sam opened the door
of record making possibilities when he registered his world record
shad with the IGFA. The all-tackle record is there to be broken and
the line-class world records are also available to the keen angler.
Unlike other guides, as a fish scientist, Sam is also authorised to species-certify
your catch.
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 and was devoured by Sam's
client, Ray, in less time :)
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Fish&Fun Brittany (all rights reserved) |
