Hooks for Shad

[Steelie Mike]

I was curious what types of hooks you all use for shad. Last year I was using small streamer TMC hooks in #10-12. I pulled a lot of flies out of their mouths last year. I understand this will happen due to their soft lips, but do not understand how the guys fishing gear do not have this problem as much. Thanks!

[Drag-Free Drift]

For shad, the last few years I've used Mustad 3407 or 34007, mainly in size six, sometimes also in sizes four and eight. In times past, I've used Wright & McGill 1197N (I think that was the number), but they have been hard for me to find lately. Both hooks are relatively inexpensive, strong, and they work!

[Salmon fisher]

I use Mustad 3407s in sizes 4 and 6

[Les Johnson]

A size 4 wet fly hook gets around a shad's jawbone for a better purchase and fewer long line releases.
Good Fishing,
Les Johnson

[TheShadKing]

I also use the 34007 for a chum turd ... it's basically a small shrimp pattern, in size 6 or 8, with the barb ground off:

body is small chenille
plastic eyeballs set well back (towards the bend)
short marabou tail.

Colors are red/white/chartruese in all combos.

But my most effective fly is a 1/32nd ounce jig, size 6, with a very sparse flashabou body ala a clouser with the lead head colored in clear glow-in-the-dark, pink, or chartruese.

I've only found these jigs at Sports Authority. You definitely want the 1/64th, anything else sinks too quickly.

IMHO, you don't need a large hook and the barb's next-to-useless since a shad's mouth is so soft.


Rolland