5.0(2 Reviews)American And Hickory Shad Fishing Trip In Weldon, NC
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Target American and Hickory Shad on 5hour river adventurePotential for 100+ fish catches with experienced local guidesSmall group experience accommodating up to 3 guests maximum
When the shad start their spring run up the Roanoke River, there's no better place to be than right here in Weldon, NC. This 5-hour guided fishing adventure puts you right in the heart of some of the most productive shad waters on the East Coast. We're talking about a fishing experience where catching 100+ fish isn't just talk – it's a real possibility when conditions line up right. These aren't lazy fish either; American and Hickory shad fight like they've got something to prove, turning every hookup into a rod-bending battle that'll keep you grinning from ear to ear. Our top-rated guides know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish while sharing the kind of local knowledge that only comes from years of working this renowned stretch of river.
This isn't your typical lazy afternoon of waiting for bites. Shad fishing in Weldon is fast-paced, action-packed angling that keeps you busy from the moment we push off. We'll start early, hitting the prime spots along the Roanoke River where these silver torpedoes stack up during their spawning runs. The boat accommodates up to 3 anglers, so you'll get plenty of personal attention from your guide without feeling crowded. Expect to cover different areas throughout the day as we follow the fish and adjust to changing conditions. The beauty of this fishery is that when shad are here, they're here in numbers that can blow your mind. One minute you might be working a quiet pool, and the next you're doubled over with fish on multiple rods. Your guide will keep you moving, keep you learning, and most importantly, keep you catching fish. The 5-hour timeframe gives us plenty of opportunity to hit multiple productive zones and adapt our strategy based on what the fish are telling us.
Shad fishing requires finesse and the right approach, and that's where our guides really shine. We'll set you up with light to medium-action rods that let you feel every head shake and run these fish make. The technique revolves around small jigs, spoons, and darts worked through the water column where shad are feeding and moving. You'll learn to read the water, understand current breaks, and master the subtle presentation that triggers strikes from these sometimes finicky fish. We provide all the tackle and know-how, but if you've got your own light tackle gear, bring it along. The key is staying mobile and adapting your retrieve based on fish behavior – sometimes they want a steady retrieve, other times a stop-and-go action drives them crazy. Your guide will teach you to recognize the subtle taps and pulls that signal a shad bite, plus how to set the hook on these soft-mouthed fish without pulling it right out. It's technical enough to keep experienced anglers engaged while remaining accessible for newcomers to the sport.
"Chad was a excellent teacher. He gave my 12 year old son a lot of useful information." - James. "Great day on the water. Chad was very knowledgeable of not only the species we were after but shared information that will help me on future fishing adventures for other fish found in the river. We caught lots of shad. Chad could not have been more helpful in insuring that my wife and I had a wonderful experience." - Frank.
American Gizzard Shad are the heavy hitters of this fishery, and when you hook into one, you'll know it immediately. These silver-sided bruisers can push 3-4 pounds and fight with surprising strength for a fish most people have never heard of. They're filter feeders with powerful, muscular bodies built for long migrations, which translates into screaming runs that'll test your drag system. The best action typically happens during their spring spawning runs from March through May, when massive schools move up the Roanoke River system. What makes them so exciting to target is their sheer numbers and aggressive feeding behavior during the run. When you find a school, you can literally catch fish on every cast until your arms give out. They hit small jigs and spoons with authority, and their initial run often catches anglers off guard. The fight is clean and strong – no dirty tricks, just pure power and endurance that makes every fish feel bigger than it actually is.
Shad fishing in general represents some of the most underrated angling on the East Coast. These fish are built for speed and endurance, spending most of their lives in the ocean before making epic runs up coastal rivers to spawn. In the Roanoke River system around Weldon, they encounter their first major obstacles, which concentrates them in predictable areas where skilled guides can put you on top of them. The hickory shad, while smaller than their American cousins, make up for size with sheer attitude and acrobatic fights. They'll jump, run, and generally raise hell on light tackle. What really gets anglers hooked on shad fishing is the combination of consistent action when they're running, the technical aspects of presentation and technique, and the satisfaction of targeting a species that most recreational anglers never experience. Plus, the timing of their runs coincides perfectly with some of the best spring weather we get in North Carolina.
The shad run waits for no one, and neither should you. This world-class fishery produces some of the most consistent action you'll find anywhere, but timing is everything when it comes to these migratory fish. Our experienced guides have been putting anglers on shad for years, and they know exactly how to make the most of your 5 hours on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add a new species to your list or a newcomer wanting to experience some of the best light-tackle fishing North Carolina has to offer, this trip delivers the goods. The personal attention you get with our small group size means you'll learn techniques and gain knowledge
Your fishing machine for the Roanoke River is a solid motorboat powered by a reliable 90-horsepower Yamaha engine that'll get you to the hot shad runs without burning through your day. The GPS keeps you on target when you're working different stretches of water, while the fish finder helps locate those schools of American and Hickory Shad moving through the river system. When you need to get in close to structure or work the edges quietly, the wireless trolling motor lets you position the boat without spooking the fish. With room for three anglers, there's plenty of space to work your rods and handle multiple hookups when the shad are really biting. The setup gives you everything needed to chase these scrappy fighters through their spring migration.
Dorosoma CepedianumAmerican Gizzard Shad are pretty easy to spot with their silvery-green bodies and that distinctive black spot behind the gills. Most run 8-14 inches, though some get up to 18. They travel in schools and love soft-bottom areas in our lakes and rivers around Weldon. You'll find them in both fresh and brackish water, usually hanging near the bottom where they filter-feed on plankton and small stuff. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps are right. Now, most folks use these as bait for bigger gamefish - their oily meat drives stripers and catfish crazy. But catching them can be a blast with light tackle since they school up heavy. Pro tip: use a cast net or small hooks on a flasher rig to get multiple fish at once. They're not much for eating, but they're gold as bait.
Alosa SapidissimaAmerican Shad are the kings of the shad family, running 20-24 inches average but capable of hitting 30 inches and 12 pounds. These silver beauties have dark shoulder spots and deeply forked tails. They're anadromous - live in the ocean but run up our rivers to spawn. Around Weldon, April and May are prime time when they push upstream. They school up tight and stick close to shore to avoid heavy current. What makes them special is the fight they put up on light tackle, plus they're absolutely delicious eating - some of the best table fare you'll find. The roe is considered a delicacy too. Here's a local secret: fish within 30 feet of the bank where current breaks, use white or yellow flies with red heads, and keep your rod light. These fish are smart and spook easy in shallow water.
5.0 out of 5.0Chad was a excellent teacher. He gave my 12 year old son a lot of useful information.
Great day on the water. Chad was very knowledgeable of not only the species we were after but shared information that will help m...
100 Rockfish Dr, Weldon, NC, USA