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Rob Snowhite is the leading authority on the subject of fly fishing for shad



Spring fishing for shad on the Potomac and it's tributaries is one of the most exciting types of fly fishing you will ever encounter. There are over a dozen other species of fish you can catch during this time, you truly never know what you catch until you land the fish.


FAQ


Q: When do you fish/guide for shad?

A: Last two weeks of April through first two weeks of May depending on conditions


Q: What do I need to bring?

A: License, rod/reel/sink tip, flies, polarized glasses, footwear that can get wet, gloves


Q: Do you wade the Potomac for shad?

A: Never. It is illegal to enter the water where we fish and it would drown you


Q: Can I buy flies from you?

A: Yes, please check Rob's Etsy shop


Q: Can we keep the fish?

A: You can keep as many white perch and snakehead as you want. Laws prohibit the removal of American shad, hickory shad, and river herring


Q: What is your rate?

A: $50 per angler per hour whether on foot or boat





Shad Fishing



black crappie



Largemouth bass



double hook up striper + Hickory



hickory shad



hickory



Last cast snakehead



gizzard shad (gross and not a targeted species)



american shad



What you need





rod



  • Five to eight weight
  • Nine to eleven feet long
  • Fast to medium action.


Line



  • Floating to sink tip for wade fishing
  • Sink tip or 250-300 grain sinking line for shore
  • 250-350 grain sinking line from boat.


leader



  • Short section 30lb Amnesia red
  • 18"-24" of 14-20lb mono to first fly
  • 18"-24" of 10lb mono for dropper fly


flies



  • 1" long brightly colored with short tail
  • 1/32oz shad jig
  • Shad nomnom
  • Snowhite damsel
  • Shad puff




reel



  • Disc drag
  • 100 yards backing


Misc.



  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Fishing gloves
  • Net
  • Hook hone
  • Trash bag(s)











fly fishing Consultant



rob@robsnowhite.com
Telephone: 703.401.6429