Seeking advice on spin rod for shad (gasp!)

[djamieson]

What gets a loyal longrodder interested in spin outfits? Well, a broken right thumb will do it. I busted mine pretty badly a few weeks ago. I won't bore you with details, except to say that involved a deranged lunatic on PCP who's now in the D.C. Jail. I just got the cast off yesterday; the alignment is pretty good, but the thumb won't be 100% for another two to five months. It might be tough throwing sinking lines with a 7 weight all afternoon come April, so I figured I'd learn a little bit about spin fishing. What length, lure weight, and action would I want in a rod for throwing darts over at Fletcher's? While I'm at it, what would I want for reel and line? I actually know very little about spin fishing, but I've been meaning to learn.

Funny thing. When I first saw the orthopedist, he looked at the x-rays and said the thumb had been "pulverized." First thing out of my mouth: "When will I be able to cast a fly rod?" We talked a little bit about the mechanics of casting, then I said, "Oh yeah. I work as a reporter. How long until I'm able to take notes and do my job?" Guess I betrayed my priorities there.

Spring's getting closer....

Dave

[rhahn427]

Ultra light w/10 lb braid or 4lb mono ........... lots of fun on hickories and whites ....... a real blast on 20 lb stripers that eat your shad .......... definitely tests your skills ......

[bluto]

Don't know if this set-up would work for shad but my typical stripper LT rig is a 6' MH (IM 7 or IM 8) rod (1 pc); 15# or 18# braid (Fireline or lately PowerPro); 2500 series reel (Shimano Sahara or equal).

If I were rigging for shad - i'd down size but still use a 1 pc sensitive rod - IM 7, in a pinch use a IM 6, a 5-1/2' rod would work Ok; line - 6 or 8# braid and a 1000 or 1500 series reel.

Dick's may have some nice basic gear. I don't think you need a high end rod (name that is), mine are store brand type.

[ctb]

I'd go for a 7 foot St Croix Premier in Light or Med-Light action. Match this with a 1500 series Shimano Sahara or Symetre. If you are strictly fishing for hickories, opt for the Light Action. I use the Med Light at Conowingo and while it may be a bit heavy for hickories, it's perfect for Whites. It's a good all around outfit.

[ihatework]

One thing-if you're fishing from a boat (fletchers) get a six foot rod. Don't go heavier than 6 pound test. I'd reccomend the shimano stradic 1000-it'll set you back a hundred bucks but the cheaper reels feel like pencil sharpeners. Sorry about the thumb.

[wlybgr]

You have gotten great advice from everyone above. 6 to 6 1/2 foot light to med light action rod should be fine and I would definitely stick with 1000-1500 series Shimano. Braid or mono will work fine. Which ever you choose I would add a barrel swivel to the end of the line (helps prevent twists especially with mono) and then about two feet of fluorocarbon above your jig or dart. Dicks Sporting Goods should have everything you need including shad darts. I would choose some darts in green, yellow, along with red and white in a couple of different sizes. When Fletcher's opens in the spring they also have a great selection and the folks that work there will be able to let you know what colors have been working. A good technique to try would be to cast cross current and let your line sink for about 5-10 seconds and then start your retrieve. If the current is really ripping then I would either add some split shot or a small bullet head weight above the swivel to help get you line down. Best of luck with your thumb and hope this helps.

[The Old Man]

At Fletcher's,. I always fish a 7-foot ultra-light with 8 pound test, tied to a three-way swivel. Then about 3' of fluoro to a 1/4-ounce shad dart and the other part of the 3-way swivel to a flutter spoon in gold (stained water) or silver (clear water).

I hammer 'em with this set-up...you can go with heavier mono, too...they are not leader shy unless you have really clear water, plus you'll get hung up on the bottom (if yer fishing it right) enough that you want stouter line.

...when I'm not catching with a fly rod, that is. I have a gimpy shoulder so I need to rest from fly-casting now and again.

[paxfish]

Sorry to hear about your accident. That sucks!

Consider flipping one of your reels, and using your other arm too. If you're working from a boat in the current, being able to cast with your left won't be so critical.

[Salmo trutta]

The guys using spinning tackle last year were hammering the American (White) Shad. I think on one occasion HJS from the board said he caught 40 or more whites in on Afternoon all on spinning tackle. Not that no fly rodders caught them but the the spinning guys were mostly jigging up and down from a boat and doing very well on white shad.

As for tackle..... any small spinning real with instant anti reverse and a few ball bearings. I like shimino's and something cheap like the sedona will be just fine. Size 1000-2500 on a 6' or 6" high modulus graphite light action or ultra light action rod. High modulus like IM 7 or IM 8 because it will make the rod feel that much more sensitive. So basically any st croix, G Loomis... or even Berkley, Dicks brand....... You shold get something light like 4-8 pound or even 4-6 pound line rated rod with a lure weight of 1/32oz to 7/16th.

Or use a spey rod and forget out the thumb. Who needs a thumb? Or switch hands like Paxfish said.

For the record.... I didn't catch one American Shad last spring when everyone was boasting about how good it was. I use mostly a 7wt with Rio deep lake and had 40+ fish days with Hickories in a couple hours but no American Shad. Oh well....

[Salmo trutta]

Spring's getting closer....

Dave

I heard spring peepers yesterday!