Originally Posted by
MThompson
So the last time I pursued Shad in anger (15 yrs ago), I was using a 7wt and throwing a type 4 head with Amnesia.
I'm wondering what folks are using these days.
I have a 6wt and a 7wt with Rio Outbound Shorts in type 3 and type 6. Anybody using those or something similar?
I also have a 4wt Switch rod that I really want to catch some Shad on but I don't think it can handle a sinking tip that's heavy enough for this situation...
Hoping to hear suggestions
Thanks
So I have a different ideal set up for Shad. Since I definitely prefer to use 2handed rods to swing for them, I’ve been using 4 or 5wt switch rod with an intermediate Scandi Body paired with a sinking polyleader (usually extra fast). As long as you’re throwing small sized shad flies, you really don’t need the mass of a Skagit head+sink tip to turn them over, so a Scandi line + polyleader works well. I like the intermediate because it allows me to fish a bit deeper, but I’ve also used a floating Scandi head with a sinking polyleader in some riffles too.
Between the 4 and the 5wt, I favor the 5wt a bit more when it’s windy (as it often is), and I’ve had a few bigger Shad that I was happy having just a tad more backbone. A 4wt is great too, so if that’s what you have I would definitely give it a go, but of the two I like the 5wt just a tad better.
JB
"Lord help me to be the person my dog thinks I am"
- unknown
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