5 Hour Shad Fishing Adventure with Full Draw Bowfishing
Private Trip
River Fishing
5hour shad fishing adventure on local river watersAll fishing equipment and gear provided by guidesSmall group experience accommodating up to 4 guests
Nothing beats the rush of hauling in a feisty shad on a beautiful day out on the river. Our 5-hour shad fishing trip puts you right in the thick of the action, targeting one of the most sought-after species swimming in our local waters. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to add some variety to your tackle box stories or a family wanting to introduce the kids to serious fishing, this top-rated experience delivers the goods. We keep groups small at just 4 anglers max, so you get personalized attention and prime positioning without fighting crowds for the best spots.
Your day starts early when shad are most active and feeding aggressively. We meet at the boat launch just as the morning mist starts lifting off the water - that's prime time for these silver bullets. Our experienced guides know exactly where the schools are running and adjust tactics throughout the day as conditions change. You'll spend quality time learning the river's personality, from shallow flats where shad cruise in the mornings to deeper channels they retreat to as the sun climbs higher. The atmosphere stays relaxed and friendly, with plenty of opportunities to chat fishing stories between hook-ups. Kids especially love this trip because shad fight hard for their size and provide constant action once you dial in the pattern. Pack some snacks and drinks since we don't provide meals, but trust me, you'll be too busy reeling in fish to think much about lunch. The five-hour window gives us flexibility to chase the bite wherever it takes us, whether that's drifting main river channels or working productive eddies behind wing dams.
We supply all your fishing equipment, so just bring yourself and get ready to learn some tricks. Shad fishing requires finesse - we're talking light spinning rods with sensitive tips that telegraph every bump and tap. The go-to setup involves small jigs in white, chartreuse, or pink, usually in the 1/32 to 1/8 ounce range depending on current and depth. Our guides will show you the "shad dart" technique that's absolutely deadly when these fish are schooled up tight. You'll cast upstream and let the current carry your jig down through the strike zone, keeping just enough tension to feel the bite. Sometimes we switch to small spoons or tiny inline spinners when fish are actively chasing bait near the surface. The key is staying mobile and reading the water - shad move constantly, so we adjust our approach based on current, temperature, and what the fish are telling us. You'll learn to recognize that subtle "tick" of a shad inhaling your jig, which feels different from bottom contact or debris. By the end of the day, most folks have the timing down and are setting hooks like pros.
American shad are the prize we're after, and they're absolute dynamite on light tackle. These silver torpedoes typically run 2 to 5 pounds in our waters, with occasional bruisers pushing 6 pounds or better. Shad are anadromous, meaning they spend most of their lives in saltwater but return to freshwater rivers to spawn, making them seasonal visitors that create world-class fishing opportunities. The best action happens during their spawning runs from late winter through early summer, when thousands of fish funnel into our river system. What makes shad special is their fight - they're nicknamed "poor man's tarpon" because they jump, make long runs, and test your drag system like fish twice their size. Their mouths are surprisingly soft, so you need to keep steady pressure without horsing them. Shad also travel in large schools, so when you find one, there are usually many more nearby. They feed on small baitfish, insects, and plankton, but during spawning season they're more aggressive and will hit artificials readily. The meat is excellent when prepared properly, though many anglers practice catch-and-release to preserve these remarkable fish for future seasons. Landing your first big shad is a memory that sticks with you - they're beautiful fish with bright silver sides and deeply forked tails that propel them through current like aquatic missiles.
This customer-favorite trip fills up fast during peak shad season, and for good reason. You get five solid hours of guided fishing, all equipment provided, and the chance to target one of the most exciting freshwater species around. Our local knowledge makes all the difference - we know which pools hold fish during different weather patterns, what presentations work best on any given day, and how to put you on shad when other anglers are struggling. The small group size means everyone gets hands-on instruction and prime fishing time without waiting in line for the hot spot. Families love this trip because it's accessible for different skill levels while still providing legitimate trophy potential. Seasoned anglers appreciate the chance to learn new techniques and fish waters they might not access on their own. Choose your date and book now - the shad won't wait, and neither should you. This is the kind of fishing day that reminds you why you fell in love with the sport in the first place.
Trenton, NJ