Shad Drift Fishing Trace

Using a Shad Drift Fishing Trace / Shad Float Trace in South African waters.

For effective shad drift fishing in South African waters, start by properly baiting a whole sardine on the trace's hooks before casting it out. This technique involves slowly retrieving the bait or using a float to let it drift naturally, simulating live fish movement.

Connect the main line to the trace with a swivel, and consider using a sinker or float based on your fishing conditions.

Position one hook near the sardine's head and the other near its tail to increase your chances of hooking a shad, as they often strike from the rear.

Steps to Use the Shad Drift Fishing Trace:

• Baiting: Secure the first hook through the sardine's mouth and out through the gill or head, ensuring the bait stays in place. Place the second hook near the tail, either by threading it through, or binding it securely. Shad tend to bite the tail first.
• Casting: Cast the baited trace into the water. Use a sinker or float depending on your desired depth and casting distance. This is essential for optimising your line's effectiveness in South Africa's diverse fishing environments.
• Retrieving: Slowly reel in the bait to mimic a struggling baitfish, which is crucial for enticing shad.
• Drifting with a Float: For controlled drifting, attach a float to the main line above the trace. This keeps your bait at a specified depth, which can be adjusted to match where shad are actively biting.
• Covering Water: This method allows you to cover extensive areas by continuously casting and retrieving. This will help locate feeding shad efficiently.
• Hooking the Fish: A shad bite is noticeable by a pull or a dipping float. The double-hook setup is designed to increase your catch rate, with the second hook targeting shad that strike at the tail end.

By following these steps, you can enhance your success in shad drift fishing across South Africa's coastal waters.

Remember the closed season 1 October to 30 November each year.

Options:

• 1 x Drift Wire Trace Single Hook
• 1 x Drift Wire Trace Double Hook