American shad in Florida

Meet the species

American shad
Image credit: © diane rome peebles

Scientific name

Alosa sapidissima

Overview

In Florida, it occurs only in the northeast, mostly in the st. Johns river and nassau river when it returns from the ocean to spawn, typically between late december and early april.

Typical size

Big catch minimum: 18 inches or 3 lbs

At a glance

Peak months
December, january–april
Regions
Northeast
Water
Freshwater
Bait
Primarily artificials (shad darts) & flies

Florida fishing record

Weight
5 lb 3 oz
Location
St. Johns river, seminole county
Date
Feb 15, 1990
Angler
Bud dankert
Type
Florida state record

Open record source

Record catch notes

5.19 lb; by bud dankert; on 2/15/1990; at st. Johns river, seminole county

When to fish

Peak months

December, january–april

Good months

December, january–april

Season notes

Months mentioned in profile narrative (not a fishing calendar): apr & dec resolved unknown→calendar via FWC profile/regs citation.

More season details

Where to fish

Florida regions

Northeast

Water

Freshwater

Habitat

In Florida, it occurs only in the northeast, mostly in the st. Johns river and nassau river when it returns from the ocean to spawn, typically between late december and early april.

More locations and access

How to catch

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 popular. The sport fishery is primarily located between sanford and melbourne. The flesh is good, especially smoked & and the roe is excellent. Image credit: © diane rome peebles

Bait

Primarily artificials (shad darts) & flies

Lures

In recent times & fly fishing has become very popular.

Videos

Sources

Fishing videos from local voices

Information comes from the supplied source datasets. Check linked FWC regulations for current rules.