Shad, Herring, and Sharks....

[fellinger]

So, I am already starting to plan for next year's fishing. I am trying to come up with some game plans and try new things and could use some input on a couple of topics.

I live very close to the Delaware River and have easy access to all the way up-to Bordentown and Trenton.

1) Shad - what are the thought on stocking up and freezing shad for bait whether whole, chunked, or ground for chum? What species should I consider. Also, is shad good for crabbing? The wife and I plan on investing into 2 pots each to drop while we head out and fish.

2) Herring -  same questions as above but, I also here the stripers are in the river at the same time so, I should consider catching herring and live lining them at the same time to pick-up some stripers?

3) What is thought to be the best areas in the Trenton/Delaware area for shad, herring, stripers?

4) Inshore sharks - I don't want to get out of control with this but, thought it could be a fun way to pass the time every now and then. Is there any inshore shark species that can be targeted on light tackle while at anchor chumming? Any suggestions on areas/time of year, etc?

I can't believe my season just ended and this is what I am already up to. The wife is gonna have a long couple of months ahead of her.

Fred

[IrishAyes]

Well, let's start with...

#1 - Shad.

I don't see why they wouldn't work for bait. However, there is a bag limit for them. I believe it is set at six.

#2 - Herring.

It looks like herring will be off limits next year. During the spring the herring would come up river with the stripers right on them. Guys would catch herring and live line them for catch and release striper fishing. Stripers during the spring are out of season in the river and can not be kept.

#3 - Inshore sharks. What is your definition of inshore? To me that would be out to 20-25 miles. If that is also your definition there is plenty of shark fishing in the mud hole. If you are talking more like 3 miles, in recent years there had been a good pull of thresher shark in the bunker pods close to shore. Have a shark outfit at the ready while you are livelining for stripers. At times you will see the thresher free jumping in the pods of bunker. Awesome sight!

As far as the Delaware River, you can launch at the Trenton boat ramp. You do need a permit. You can purchase a yearly tag at city hall and I believe you can get a daily tag also. I am not positive but I believe in the past there was someone at the ramp who you could purchase a tag from. Not certain on that though.

Another alternative is the Bordentown ramp. That is a better launch area as there is a dock there. You also need to purchase a tag for that ramp.

Anchor up near the Katmandu or the stadium for shad or herring. You can then drift the area near the first bridge for stripers (IF it is legal to have herring next year). Guys will also head south of Bordentown and anchor just outside the channel for stripers.

[fellinger]

As always thanks for the info. For some reason I thought shad had a higher limit. Obviously, I will need to check into that before fishing.

I don't know if I'd go to the mud hole or not.... Where's it located? I really don't know if I'm ok with my skill set yet to take the boat that far quite yet.

If I could stick closer to shore and play with some other species it would be cool.

When is the northerly run of the stripers?

Fred