Shading

[Jamesgoesfishing]

Hi Guys,

I've been trying the shads throughout last year (in hartlepool, ireland and brighton) and early this year (brighton and ireland), but not had much success, each time I have switched back to bait and that has worked well. Has anyone tried using a the standard shadding rig but also incorporated a biated hook further up the rig (see attachment)? If so any luck with this?

Also have people tried using a pirk instead of a weight on the shad rig?

Cheers

jamesgoesfishing

[Norman]

Hi James,
It's real hard to keep off the bait .... we tried literally for years with shads but never seemed to catch....... now I look back, with the time actually spent fishing being oh so precious after waiting weeks and months sometimes for breaks in the weather, meant that what we actually were doing (without realising it) was sticking a shad on giving it 5 or 10 minutes then deciding it was worthless and going back to bait and catching, but probably 30 to 60 minutes later.
The long and short of it was we were not giving shads enough time .... we thought we were, but when you try something new you automatically think of what your missing by trying something new and quickly revert back. well thats my theory
be patient .... when you catch on shads it's a whole new experience and when in season, may to september, are eqally as good or better than any bait ......... and a whole lot cleaner and easier to use ....

stick with it mate, single shad, 4 foot trace above a 12oz weight .... 3 or 4 more weeks to go then it should "light up" shad wise

all the best

norm

[Russ hud]

Keep it simple james, use bait rig with weight or pirk or use shad on its own on a flowing trace, maybe put a slither of squid on shad if the waters coloured, plenty of info on sea otter 2 website on using shads.

Russell

[kayos]

As you all know I am no expert and Norman sure knows what he is talking about, so I would take his advice.

In desperation I have tried bait above the lead and a shad below, but I think it is two different methods of fishing and doesn't really work. As Norman says, give it time. Perhaps if water is murky early in the season, bait maybe is better. As the water clears and the season develops, shads come into their own.

Ha, hark at Mr Know it all!!

[BestNest]

Norman that's just cheered me up reading your post ! Cheers.

James, I actually had a slow year last year shading and found the bait much more successful, compared to the previous year when it was the complete opposite ! I'm hoping it's a shad year this year ! lol. Keep at it mate.
One thing I would say, is don't go beserk with a huge long shad trace. As Norman says, I've had most success on a 3/4ft trace. I believe it gives the shad more movement down there.
Good luck fella.

[spongebob]

I have only ever used shads on the boat wi not much success but to be honest but I will keep at it as I think its more of my technique and not the shad itself ;-);-)

[Norman]

Not that the "perfect" moments come around very often but if it happens do take hold of it, a perfect moment (which can last a few hours) is for example if you get amongst a flock of diving birds WOW! they're diving for the baitfish that are fleeing up from the cod that are feeding on them (poor bait fish caught both ends) this is a 100% shad time because the fish are chasing smaller fish totally uninterested in feeding on scraps, check the stomach of your catch it'll be stuffed with sprats or eels.

days like this shad tastic.mpg - YouTube

roll on clearer water

norm

[oldessox]

It's all about confidence, I don't even take bait on the boat, I use shads or pirks or any other lure that comes to hand , if the fish are there and in a feeding mood, they will take it. The only time I take and use bait is if I've decided to go out and anchor up and fish over the side for a few hours or if I want to catch a big ling, then I'll stick a half mackerel on. Ling are the main reason I stopped using bait , they must feed by sense of smell more than sight or vibration as I always catch them using bait and rarely catch them on lures.

[The Great Wallsendo]

When the fish are feeding on sprats or sandeels you'll never have more fun than when fishing with a bit of plastic on a light rod

Agree with Ray...bait (generally) equals Ling...horses for courses, can't stand them personally

[Jamesgoesfishing]

Thanks guys, good stuff.

I had a very interesting session in Donegal Bay (Ireland) recently, was fishing all the top notch shads and jelly worms, with very little. Switched to small herring feathers and was taking pollock and coalies to 4 lb ! I guess you have to match the method with what the fish are feeding, water clarity and what you are confident with.