If you like fishing, but have never tried to catch a shad, you owe it to yourself to spend a day at the Tailrace Canal in Moncks Corner and give it a try.
This is especially true if you have young fishermen. There are no guarantees, but you will probably have the opportunity to catch some fish. You are even more likely to have fun with dozens of boats full of anxious fishermen anchored in the narrow confines.
The Tailrace Canal, where Lake Moultrie flows into the Cooper River, Wilson’s Landing, where Lake Marion flows into the River Santee, and the River Santee near St. Stephen, are well-known shadow fishing spots. And the reason why they are such productive fishing grounds can be traced back to the shad’s DNR.
The American shad is an anadromous fish. They are born in fresh water and eventually migrate to salt water. When the time comes to spawn, they try to return to their birthplace, only to encounter obstacles such as the aforementioned dams, which accumulate and await the opportunity to continue their journey. Although these areas are among the most productive points, you can also take shade along your migratory routes on the Santee, Cooper and Edisto rivers. You can find them in early mid-December or late April, but the peak of the shade season is usually mid-February to mid-March.
I recently spoke to a friend and shad enthusiast who said it was a few weekends ago and that everyone in his group had 15 or more. When conditions are right, fishermen capture numbers that can reach high double digits, although the tenure limit is 10 per day (20 on the Rio Santee and the Rediversão Canal) and fishermen are required to have a fishing license. recreational.
Shad is a great sport, often called the tarpon of the poor. When you are able to hook a shadow, they often take flight in an effort to shake the hook. Shadow roe – the largest females full of eggs – are especially appreciated. Unless it is a shadow of fat eggs, most are released. They are bony fish and can be challenging to clean and cook.
Light or ultralight equipment is preferable. The 2, 4, 6 and 8 pound line test is the ideal test. The water is crystal clear and the shad is shy. Small heads, 1/8 or 1/16 ounces, are combined with yellow or white chartreuse plastic grub tails.
Shad can be caught fishing, although most anglers prefer to anchor in shallow water and cast into deeper water, making a slow and steady recovery. When the shad race is going well, you will usually find several rows of boats anchored along the river. Fishermen often arrive at the launch of the boat before dawn in the hope of landing at one of the coveted fishing spots.
Shad tends to move in schools, so when a person catches it, it’s a good idea for the other fishermen on the boat to put their bait in the water as soon as possible. Depending on how many are on your boat, there are usually double, triple and even quadruple connections.
America’s Boating Club
America’s Boating Club Charleston will hold a boat safety class on February 27 at 1376 Orange Grove Road, Charleston. The class starts at 9am and ends around 4pm. Successful participants receive a sailor’s education card from the SC Department of Natural Resources. The cost is $ 25 for adults and youth ages 12 to 18 are free. Call 843-312-2876 or send an email to [email protected].