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Shad Fishing

The best out of 82 Shad Fishing deals - enter destination and dates to check availability

Nearest Shad fishing charters

72 charters in map area
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24 ft
Up to 4 persons
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25 ft
Up to 6 persons
Instant Confirmation
Trips from
US $500
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23 ft
Up to 6 persons
Angler's Choice
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30 ft
Up to 6 persons
Instant Confirmation
2 bookings in the past week.
Trips from
US $695
Angler's Choice
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27 ft
Up to 6 persons
Instant Confirmation
Trips from
US $595
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22 ft
Up to 6 persons
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26 ft
Up to 4 persons
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24 ft
Up to 4 persons
Instant Confirmation
Trips from
US $450
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28 ft
Up to 4 persons
Instant Confirmation
Trips from
US $300
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21 ft
Up to 4 persons
Instant Confirmation
Trips from
US $400

Nearest Shad fishing charters

Fresh Shad fishing catches

What anglers say about Shad fishing

  • 5.0
    /5
    (8 Hour Trip)

    Great Trip

    The captain is a great guy, who got my son, granddaughter, and myself into the action. We started out by catching salmon in the morning, and then in another location shad. He also has some left handed reels for left handed guys like me.
    Randy B.
    Randy B.
    Reviewed on Jun 25, 2026
  • 5.0
    /5
    (4 to 5 Hour Trip – Harbour)

    Harbour trip with wife

    Amazing harbour trip with wife, with your assistance my wife a first-time fisherman caught more fish than myself. Everything was provided from rods to bait. You will definitely see me again.
    Hendrik G.
    Hendrik G.
    Reviewed on Apr 20, 2026
  • 5.0
    /5
    (Backline - 12:00 PM)

    Great fishing trip!

    Went with the whole family. Skipper amd his team were great. Would definitely recommend.
    Rocco G.
    Rocco G.
    Reviewed on Dec 17, 2025
  • 5.0
    /5
    (4 Hour Trip – Bowfishing)

    Kids night out

    A fun filled night out with captain John Pate. He is very good with kids and helps them in any way he can for a successful trip.
    Don R.
    Don R.
    Reviewed on Mar 3, 2026
  • 5.0
    /5
    (4 Hour Trip – Bowfishing)

    September fishing trip

    John is hands down the best captain for any fishing night! He will help you get the hang of it, encourage you, and most definitely laugh when you shoot the BIGGEST log you swore was a fish! He is amazing with kids. Some of our most favorite memories over the years has been on John’s boat fishing. I couldn’t recommend him enough for any kind of trip your thinking. Bachelor trip, family trip, or just a unique date night! It’s always some of the best memories you can make.
    Allie C.
    Allie C.
    Reviewed on Mar 9, 2026

About Shad fishing

Size
2 to 5lbs
Food Value
Good
Game Quality
Average

Shad are sometimes referred to as "freshwater Tarpon". Although their aerials are present, they don't come close to those of the mighty Silver King. However, Shad have the advantage of tasting great.

How big

These fish are on the smaller side and are rarely caught over 5lbs. The catch size differs in every waterway that hosts them.

Distribution

The species is native to rivers along the Atlantic coast east of the Appalachian mountains, from St. Lawrence River (including Lakes Huron and Eerie) to St. John's River, FL. It has been introduced to the Pacific Northwest successfully and thrives in freshwater fisheries from the Columbia River to the Sacramento River.

Shad travel upstream to spawn April through June when the water temperatures reach about 60°F.

How to catch

The species is commonly caught on special jigs called Shad darts. Flutter spoons also work well. These are set up on a downrigger, which lowers them to the bottom of the river, where Shad are most often found. Alternatives are slow trolling or drift casting with the lures. Fly fishing is known to work well, too.

Good to eat?

Shad are bony, but their flesh is delicious. Roe is often harvested from pregnant females and consumed as a caviar substitute.

Shad are sometimes referred to as "freshwater Tarpon". Although their aerials are present, they don't come close to those of the mighty Silver King. However, Shad have the advantage of tasting great.

How big

These fish are on the smaller side and are rarely caught over 5lbs. The catch size differs in every waterway that hosts them.

Distribution

The species is native to rivers along the Atlantic coast east of the Appalachian mountains, from St. Lawrence River (including Lakes Huron and Eerie) to St. John's River, FL. It has been introduced to the Pacific Northwest successfully and thrives in freshwater fisheries from the Columbia River to the Sacramento River.

Shad travel upstream to spawn April through June when the water temperatures reach about 60°F.

How to catch

The species is commonly caught on special jigs called Shad darts. Flutter spoons also work well. These are set up on a downrigger, which lowers them to the bottom of the river, where Shad are most often found. Alternatives are slow trolling or drift casting with the lures. Fly fishing is known to work well, too.

Good to eat?

Shad are bony, but their flesh is delicious. Roe is often harvested from pregnant females and consumed as a caviar substitute.