Shad Killer Jigs

Shad jigs

The idea for the “Shad Killer” jig originated from a nine year old boy in the late 70’s. After fine tuning the size and colors, the jig you see today was born. The Shad Killer was developed to be an extremely effective representation of both small baitfish, and krill in the ocean, which many species of anadromous fish feed on. The jig itself is used for wide variety of game fish, from walleye to steelhead and salmon on a heavier hook version. These jigs can be fished under a bobber, solo, tipped with bait, or simply casting with a slow retrieve. The special paint used on the jig is nearly indestructible and stands up well when used in rocky areas.

Shad are a transplanted eastern fish which first arrived on the West Coast when a small shipment of shad fry was brought by train to California in 1871 and released into the Sacramento River. With the help of a few more releases, and the shad’s own urge to migrate and multiply, these fish now extend from northern Mexico to Alaska.

Shad are well distributed along the Oregon Coast, with major runs entering the Coos, Umpqua and Siuslaw rivers each spring. The Columbia River shad run is the Northwest’s largest, with an annual run of two million or more fish and well-established commercial fisher.

Upon arrival in fresh water, femal or roe shad travel upstream to spawning grounds where their free-floating eggs will be fertilized by later-arriving male, or buck shad, in a spawning frenzy. Eggs hatch in eight days and fry spend four to five years in salt water before returning to spawn. Shad often survive to spawn twice or more.