American shad in Florida

Meet the species

American shad
Image credit: © diane rome peebles

Scientific name

Alosa sapidissima

Overview

Occur from rivers to offshore waters

Typical size

Up to 20 inches (12 pounds)

At a glance

Peak months
December, january–april
Regions
Statewide gulf, statewide atlantic
Water
Saltwater
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

Resolved unknown→calendar via FWC profile/regs citation.

More season details

Where to fish

Florida regions

Statewide gulf & statewide atlantic

Water

Saltwater

Habitat

Occur from rivers to offshore waters

More locations and access

How to catch

Plankton feeders, but will strike small, bright spoons or flies. Their roe (as many as 30 & 000 in a single female) is prized and their flesh is full of fork bones. Image credit: © diane rome peebles

Bait

Primarily artificials (shad darts) & flies

Lures

Plankton feeders, but will strike small & bright spoons or flies.

Videos

Sources

Fishing videos from local voices

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