The annual shad run has begun in the Delaware River

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There’s an old fishermen’s theory that when the yellow forsythia bloom, shad start their migration up the Delaware River. 

Well that must be true as reports from the Delaware River Shad Fishermen’s website is showing numerous catches of buck and roe shad begin caught from the Philadelphia stretch, through Easton on up to Sandt’s Eddy.
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The latest reports were that shad were being caught from above the Delaware Water Gap (approx.. river mile 210) down to Yardley (approx. river mile 138) or at least 72 miles of river so far. Shad were also caught at Yardley. One angler reported catching 18 in one day and kept two roe. Another angler caught 16 for 20 in five hours on Good Friday, but left the river in the afternoon because the debris floating down became heavier than it was in the morning. 

Also on Friday morning, Chuck Gainey managed to land 26 of 34 on pink/white Shadillac Fishing Lures both flutterspoons and Shad Raps. 

Angler Sam Malespina reported there are a few stripers coming up the river, which is a bit early in the season. 

Last Thursday, Shawn Richard reported plenty of shad in the river as he fished for 4-5 hours and went 45 for 54 with a couple of triples and some doubles with all under 3.5 pounds and there was no lull in the action. 

From these early reports, shad are preferring the traditional flutterspoons, Shad Raps and original shad darts in white or pink. And don’t forget about the Delaware River Shad Fishing Tournament scheduled for April 17 and 18 with an entry charge of $25 and $18 for anglers under 18. To register go to www.osoutdoorsnj.com or call 609-227-8142.

If the mention of stripers got your interest, On the Water Magazine offers the following New Jersey tackle shop reports:

Capt. Phil Sciortino at the Tackle Box in Hazlet, says stripers are starting to spread out along the Bayshore and hitting bloodworms and plugs. 

Mike Pinto at Giglio’s Bait and Tackle in Sea Bright, reports that he hasn’t received many striper catches, but to entice them, bunker have arrived in Raritan Bay - stripers favorite bait. 
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Mike Gleason at Tak Waterman in Long Branch, said the striper bite is still a bit of a pick in the Raritan River, but more anglers are going out for them so more catch reports should be forthcoming. 

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