American Shad Fishing
Shad Dates are Full for 2022
Prime Time on the Delaware River for American Shad
March 15th through April
American Shad Fishing Trips
4 hour trips, $425
All tackle and equipment is included
All experience levels are welcomed
Catch a few fish or catch the entire school, up 50 fish
Trips are based on two people, additional third angler $100
Fishing License and Saltwater Registry
Fishing the Delaware River either a Pennsylvania or a New Jersey License will work for the Delaware River. You can typically buy a single day, multi-day or yearly fishing license at your local tackle shop, sporting goods store or Walmart. New Jersey offers online license and Pennsylvania licensing
NJ Buddy License can save you and your buddy some money NJ Buddy License
Saltwater Registry
For all Migatory fish you NEED a Saltwater registry permit even if we are not fishing saltwater. A Pennsylvania Permit or New Jersey Permit or any states permit will work. New Jersey is FREE. You may need to have you fishing license prior to obtaining a saltwater registry.
2019 American Shad Trips
We Dominated the Big D when it comes to Shad
Fishing for American Shad on the Big D can range from a few fish to absolutely epic days that amount up to 100 fish. Shad fight strong and leap out of the water. Join us on the river for a day you will not forget. All experienced levels welcomed.
Warm Springs we start in March, colder springs we start in April
Ask about our split shad and striper trips
Two people max for the best experience, $100 for the additional 3rd angler.
April Catch Log
Top April and trips not including split shad and bass. This year was not as good as last year but it was on fire, we had few days that it was just tough to catch them and the conditions were poor. There is still shad in the river but we are done targeting them.
45 American Shad
37 American Shad
23 American Shad
27 American Shad
63 American Shad
75 American Shad
68 American Shad
101 American Shad
78 American Shad
67 American Shad
45 American Shad
26 American Shad
Best day was 158 AMERICAN SHAD (full day trip with a half day trip)
Striped bass have in the river but hard to get to eat, lots of success with some big fish with skilled anglers while plugging. The lower river has yielded very little bass.
What to wear
Dress in layers it is always cooler on the water
Bring Sunglasses, not just for sun protections for your eyes!
Sunscreen if needed
A hat
Rain Gear, if rain is in the forecast
Wind breaker ,if no rain is in the forecast
Gloves if it’s cold
Boots to keep your feet warm
FAQ's
What happens if it rains?
Most likely we are fishing
We will not fish in torrential rain
We will not fish in lighting storms
What happens if a lightning storm is in the forecast?
It is at the captain's discretion to either fish or postpone the trip
In the spring and summer storms move through quickly and we can be fishing with little interruption
After and during rain can be the best fishing
What happens if the river is blown out from rain?
If the river is muddy or blown out the captain will decide to fish or postpone
A plugging trip can turn into a bait trip
A shad trip can turn into a striper trip using bait
A spring trip and turn into a summer trip
Deposit Policy
We are very fair and honest, and we want you to go fishing and catch fish but I need to protect my business and the available slots, if I book the slot, I will return your deposit.
Every Trip requires a $100 deposit regardless if you have fished with us in the past or not. We have a strict policy to only hold fishing dates with paid deposits. During the spring we refuse customers that could have filled your spot.
What happens if I need to cancel a trip?
Cancelation 16 or more days, full refund
On and within the 15 days deposit is forfeited
If I can fill the trip time slot, I will return your deposit
Deposits can take up 60 days for returns.