5.0(1 Reviews)Guided Afternoon Shad Fishing Trip In Weldon, NC
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Afternoon shad fishing on Weldon's vibrant river watersTarget American and Hickory Shad with provided gearSmall group experience accommodating up to three guests
Ready to get your line wet and feel that rod bend? Our afternoon shad fishing trips on the Roanoke River in Weldon are where serious anglers come to chase some of the most aggressive fish in North Carolina waters. When American and Hickory Shad start their spawning runs, they turn into absolute bulldogs on the end of your line. We're talking about fish that'll strip drag and test your skills, all while you're surrounded by some of the prettiest river country you'll find anywhere. Chad and the team at Southern Sun Guides have been putting clients on these feisty fish for years, and we know exactly where they're holding and what they're biting. Pack light, bring your appetite for action, and get ready for some serious rod-bending fun on one of the East Coast's premier shad fisheries.
This isn't your typical lazy afternoon float trip - we're targeting fish that fight like they've got something to prove. The Roanoke River around Weldon offers prime shad habitat with deep holes, current breaks, and spawning areas that draw these silver rockets in massive numbers during their seasonal runs. You'll be fishing from our well-equipped boat with up to two other anglers, creating a perfect small-group atmosphere where everyone gets plenty of action and personalized attention. The afternoon timing is money for shad fishing - they're active, aggressive, and ready to eat. We'll start by reading the water, looking for telltale signs like birds working baitfish or those characteristic surface swirls that let us know the shad are feeding. The scenery along this stretch of river is top-notch too, with towering hardwoods lining the banks and plenty of wildlife to keep things interesting between hookups. Don't worry about bringing tackle - we've got everything dialed in with the right rods, reels, and terminal tackle that'll give you the best shot at success.
Shad fishing is all about presentation and reading the water, and we've got the techniques down to a science. We'll be using light to medium spinning tackle that lets you feel every head shake and run these fish make. The key is getting your offering down to where the fish are holding while maintaining the right retrieve speed to trigger strikes. We primarily use small jigs, spoons, and dart rigs - simple setups that drive shad absolutely crazy when worked properly. You'll learn how to cast upstream and work your lure back with the current, creating that wounded baitfish action that pulls shad out of their comfort zone. The fight is where things get really fun - these fish are built for speed and endurance, making multiple runs and aerial displays that'll get your heart pumping. We'll teach you how to play them properly, when to give line, and when to apply pressure. The Roanoke's current adds another element to the fight, and learning to use it to your advantage instead of fighting against it is part of what makes this such a rewarding fishery. Every piece of gear we provide is chosen specifically for this type of fishing, from the rod action to the reel's drag system.
"We caught a lot of shad. Chad is a great guide. Even though it was a bit rainy my friends and I had a great time." - Lyle Gardner
American Shad are the headliners of this show, and once you hook into one, you'll understand why they're called "poor man's tarpon." These silver bullets typically run 2-5 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, making blazing runs and spectacular jumps that'll test your reflexes and your drag settings. They're anadromous fish, spending most of their lives in the ocean before returning to freshwater to spawn, which means they're in peak physical condition when we target them. The best action happens during their spring spawning runs from March through May, when they're aggressive and concentrated in predictable areas. What makes American Shad so special is their combination of speed, stamina, and acrobatic ability - they'll run straight at the boat, then suddenly change direction and head for deep water, all while making those heart-stopping leaps that can throw the hook if you're not ready for them.
Hickory Shad bring their own brand of excitement to the mix, and while they're smaller than their American cousins, they make up for it with pure attitude. These scrappy fighters typically weigh 1-2 pounds but have more fight per ounce than almost any other freshwater species. They're known for their lightning-fast strikes and their ability to throw hooks with their head-shaking antics. Hickory Shad are also part of the spring spawning runs, often mixing with American Shad in the same areas, which means you never know which species will grab your lure next. They're incredibly aggressive during the spawn, attacking lures with a ferocity that can catch even experienced anglers off guard. The variety keeps things interesting - you might hook a bulldogging American Shad on one cast and a hyperactive Hickory on the next, each bringing its own unique fighting characteristics to challenge your skills.
The Roanoke River shad runs don't last forever, and the best fishing windows can fill up fast with smart anglers who know what they're after. This trip delivers everything you want in a guided fishing experience - expert local knowledge, top-quality gear, and access to some of the most consistent shad fishing on the East Coast. With our small group size of just three anglers, you're guaranteed plenty of individual attention and prime fishing time without the chaos of crowded party boats. Chad's reputation for putting clients on fish speaks for itself, and the Weldon area offers the perfect combination of productive water and beautiful scenery for an afternoon you'll be talking about all season. Whether you're a seasoned shad angler looking to improve your game or someone who's never felt the electric strike of a spaw
Your fishing adventure on the Roanoke River starts with our reliable motorboat, perfectly set up for targeting those feisty shad that make Weldon famous. The 90-horsepower Yamaha engine gets you to the prime fishing spots quickly, while the wireless trolling motor lets you drift silently over the best holding water without spooking the fish. Our GPS keeps you positioned right where the action is, and the fishfinder shows exactly what's swimming beneath the surface - essential when you're hunting those schooling American and Hickory Shad. With room for up to 3 anglers, there's plenty of space to work your lines and land these hard-fighting river runners. The boat's setup means more time with your rod in hand and less time worrying about navigation, so you can focus on feeling that distinctive shad bite and enjoying the fight these spirited fish are known for.
Dorosoma CepedianumAmerican Gizzard Shad are those silvery, deep-bodied fish you'll find schooling in deeper holes and muddy bottoms throughout our river system. Most run 8-14 inches, though we occasionally see some pushing 18-20 inches. They've got small mouths and distinctive black spots behind their gills. While they're primarily used as cut bait for bigger gamefish like stripers and catfish, they're actually pretty scrappy on light tackle. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps are steady. These filter feeders cruise soft bottoms looking for plankton and small bits. Here's a local trick: use a small flasher rig with tiny hooks - you can often pull up several at once from the same school, giving you plenty of fresh bait for the rest of your trip.
Alosa SapidissimaOur American Shad are the real prize during spring runs - these chrome-sided fighters average 20-24 inches and can hit 12 pounds. They're built for speed with deeply forked tails and that classic herring shape. April and May are prime time when they push upriver to spawn, hugging shorelines to avoid heavy current. What makes them special is the combination of a strong fight and fantastic table fare - the meat's so flavorful it needs no seasoning, and the roe is considered a delicacy. They school up in moderate depths near structure and drop-offs. Here's what works: cast within 30 feet of the bank where current breaks, using light spinning gear with white or yellow flies tipped with red heads. These fish are wary, so keep your presentations natural and stay quiet on the water.
5.0 out of 5.0We caught a lot of shad. Chad is a great guide. Even though it was a bit rainy my friends and I had a great time.
100 Rockfish Dr, Weldon, NC, USA