Pacemaker Fishing Forum

kidnikarus · Apr-17-12 6:56PM

I have fished unsuccessfully for shad on the virginia side of Chainbridge 5 or 6 times this year. I need some help before it ends.

I fished the Delaware River in NY 15 years in a row and always caught a ton. There I was able to wade out a bit cast upstream let the dart sink (water was about 5-8 depending on water level) and do a couple of rod lifts and hook up. We camped right on the river and the spot was just above a rapid.

How deep is the water at Chainbridge? I am casting up river but i don't think i am getting the darts down deep enough. The water moves so fast that when my line moves past me and i do a little lift or jerk or even start to reel in a little my dart is at the surface again. I have used single and double rigs 1/8 to 1/4 darts.

The shad were definitely there when I was, besides seeing them jump other people were catching them.

Any help would be appreciated.

Also, on a side note. I have caught about 10 catfish in the last to three weeks while fishing for bass - on inline spinners, a small crank bait, a grub and a 3 inch fin-s shad. All were caught from the shore at Columbia Island Marina, Roaches Run or Gravelly Point. I have been fishing these areas for about a year now and have never caught a catfish. Is this normal this time of year?

Thanks!

Ernie · Apr-17-12 7:07PM

Chain Bridge is deep and much faster than Fletcher's Cove. It's a funnel...tough to fish there unless you are fishing the little "coves" by the rocks. But the VA side has less nooks and crannies than the MD/DC side.

Catfish are all over the place right now.....but nothing new.

kidnikarus · Apr-17-12 7:47PM

Thanks, it is pretty much my only option to hit while on my lunch break. Any tips on getting the darts down deeper? Would a "carolina style" rig work for this?

Ernie · Apr-17-12 7:52PM

Maybe 2 darts on the line.....18" apart......use as light a line as you can, maybe 10 pound braid?

T. · Apr-17-12 8:46PM

Silver buddy

kidnikarus · Apr-17-12 8:52PM

Thanks again for the input, i am going to head out at lunch tomorrow. I leave for Florida on Thursday and who knows if the shad will be around when i get back.

I have been using 25lb braid on all my reels. I have some 6 lb flouro that I will put on tonight and try that tomorrow. I have been using two darts as well but putting them about 12 - 14 inches apart. I will try it at 18 inches. I also have a few shad spoons. Maybe i will try at dart up top and a spoon at the bottom.

Hopefully i can post up tomorrow with pics!

Redfish12 · Apr-17-12 8:52PM

1/2 egg sinker works well, but watch out for the rock outcroppings

TyF · Apr-17-12 11:33PM

When i was fishing at fletchers cove for them (out of a kayak) i would cast downstream and start reeling right away letting the double dart rig sink less than 5ft. I would reel at a medium rate and twitch every once in a while... from my experience when i casted up stream and let it sink i would get less bites as opposed to throwing it downstream where i would get 3-4 bites a cast and finally hookup.

I dont know if it is any different where you are talking about.

Tyler

captmikestarrett · Apr-18-12 12:16PM

Make a long story short I had the pleasure of fishing with the shadman of PA Fame. He used a 2 oz bank sinker and two flutter spoons tied 4 feet above it on a dropper loop and a very small swivel. Place the rod in the holder and adjust depth to the fish. On the shore you could do the same thing.

Small pet spoon would work too.

Capt Mike

Pacemaker Fishing Forum

#1 Apr-17-12 6:56PM

Chainbridge VA Side Shad Help

#2 Apr-17-12 7:07PM

Re: Chainbridge VA Side Shad Help

#3 Apr-17-12 7:47PM

Re: Chainbridge VA Side Shad Help

#4 Apr-17-12 7:52PM

Re: Chainbridge VA Side Shad Help

#5 Apr-17-12 8:46PM

Re: Chainbridge VA Side Shad Help

#6 Apr-17-12 8:52PM

Re: Chainbridge VA Side Shad Help

#7 Apr-17-12 8:52PM

Re: Chainbridge VA Side Shad Help

#8 Apr-17-12 11:33PM

Re: Chainbridge VA Side Shad Help

#9 Apr-18-12 12:16PM

Re: Chainbridge VA Side Shad Help

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