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Thread: Setting the hook on shad?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2019
    Location
    Guerneville
    Posts
    290

    Default Setting the hook on shad?

    It's been a pretty dismal shad run on the Russian this year. Been out a lot and finally got my first one of the season below a riffle close to home on the lower river. Only heard about a few being caught here and there from Scott at Kings. Wondering how other folks set the hook when swinging for Shad? With Steelhead, especially big winter fish, I try not to set the hook at all, though it's difficult not to. I have considerably less experience with Shad though, and found last season I had more hook ups when sweeping the rod downstream as soon as I felt a grab. This years been really tough, not sure if its just a bad year numbers wise or just a lack of enough current with the low flows to be able to get them to bite.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Sebastian, FL, USA, Earth
    Posts
    23,837

    Default

    Some people jig the fly with their stripping hand to create an action but it might also be setting the hook some?
    Bill Kiene (Boca Grande)

    567 Barber Street
    Sebastian, Florida 32958

    Fly Fishing Travel Consultant
    Certified FFF Casting Instructor

    Email: billkiene63@gmail.com
    Cell: 530/753-5267
    Web: www.billkiene.com

    Contact me for any reason........
    ______________________________________

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    Walnut Creek,Ca.
    Posts
    207

    Default

    I agree Bill, it helps a lot! Sometimes the bite is so soft its undetectable.I like to try and jig the fly through the entire swing. It also seems to create a little interest and possibly spark their curiosity.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2005
    Location
    Citrus Heights
    Posts
    2,142

    Default

    Shad will do a 180 and go after a fly that is given some movement!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Sebastian, FL, USA, Earth
    Posts
    23,837

    Default

    We are so fortunate to have our lower American river flowing clear right throw town.

    It is also so nice to see we still have a good Shad run......
    Bill Kiene (Boca Grande)

    567 Barber Street
    Sebastian, Florida 32958

    Fly Fishing Travel Consultant
    Certified FFF Casting Instructor

    Email: billkiene63@gmail.com
    Cell: 530/753-5267
    Web: www.billkiene.com

    Contact me for any reason........
    ______________________________________

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2019
    Location
    Guerneville
    Posts
    290

    Default

    Thanks guys will give that a shot. The rivers so much lower compared to last years shad season that swinging it doesnt seem to be working

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Sebastian, FL, USA, Earth
    Posts
    23,837

    Default

    I am guessing the a clear slow sinking line, longer FC leader and small flies would be good.

    AM and/or PM or overcast might help.
    Bill Kiene (Boca Grande)

    567 Barber Street
    Sebastian, Florida 32958

    Fly Fishing Travel Consultant
    Certified FFF Casting Instructor

    Email: billkiene63@gmail.com
    Cell: 530/753-5267
    Web: www.billkiene.com

    Contact me for any reason........
    ______________________________________

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