From cow pastures to the deep dark reaches of the Atlantic Ocean, American shad (Alosa sapidissima) are one curious species. They spend most of their anadromous lives mingling with deep sea oddities only seen in Discovery Channel documentaries, yet each winter they are caught by fly fishermen standing literally on the edge of central Florida cow pastures.
Shad prefer water temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. With each summer and winter season they will migrate from Florida all the way to Canada’s Bay of Fundy and back following the 60 and 70 degree isotherm. After four years of ocean migrations and swimming over 10,000 miles, the shad has matured and is ready to start the next generation. Spawning runs take them far up freshwater rivers all along the East Coast of North America from the St. Lawrence River in Canada to the St. Johns River in Florida.
The St. John River spawning run starts around late December and lasts through March. Most of the spawning takes place in “Shad Alley”, the stretch of river from Lake Monroe down to Highway 50. Shad are very popular with central Florida fly fishers who pursue them with small, flashy attractor flies that are usually fished near the bottom. Spin fishermen catch shad on small spoons and brightly colored jigs.
The Latin name for American shad is Alosa sapidissima. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, “sapidissima” translates roughly to “most savory”. Shad has the distinction of being George Washington’s favorite fish to eat. Shad flesh is described as delicate and sweet, but is full of hundreds tiny bones which makes eating a chore. Many people consider shad roe to be a delicacy. A search online provides countless recipes for both shad and their roe.
You’ll need a freshwater fishing license to fish the St Johns River unless you are exempt from Florida fishing license requirements. Shad are a marine species so a saltwater fishing license is also needed if you want to keep any shad for the table.
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