Science Name: | Alosa sapidissima |
Other Names: | Shad, Atlantic Shad, White Shad |
Ideal Temp: | Above 41 |
World Record: | 11 lbs. 4 ounces, Mass. |
Environment: | inshore, coastal, stream |
Techniques: | fly fishing, casting |
SUBSPECIES - None; very similar to Hickory shad (Alosa mediocris) which also occurs in the St. Johns River, Florida.
RANGE - St. Lawrence River, Canada to St. Johns River, Florida.
HABITAT - This is an anadromous species that lives most of its life at sea but moves upstream to spawn. They will not tolerate water temperatures below 41F degrees.
SPAWNING HABITS - Most spawning occurs between late December and early April in the stretch of the St. Johns River from Sanford to Melbourne. Eggs are spawned directly into the river where they drift freely for 2-3 days. Juveniles leave the river when it cools in late fall or early winter. Juveniles mature into adults in the Atlantic Ocean and do not return to the St. Johns River until they are ready to spawn, two to five years later. In the St. Johns River and all other rivers below Cape Fear, North Carolina, shad die after they spawn.
FEEDING HABITS - Shad are primarily plankton feeders, but they will also eat small crustaceans, eggs and insect larvae.
AGE AND GROWTH Two to four inches long when they leave the river (6 to 10 months). Size up to 30 inches.
SPORTING QUALITIES - Historically the sport fishery was mostly a troll boat fishery with some spin casting from the bank. In recent times, fly fishing has become very extensive. Recreational fishing began in the early 1940s near Deland. The sport fishery is primarily located between Sanford and Melbourne.
EATING QUALITY - Flesh good. especially smoked; roe is excellent.
Tips for Fishing