High water delays city's shad fishing tournament
By Ethan Smith
Published in News on March 13, 2015 1:46 PM
Shad fish in the Neuse River are safe -- for one more week, at least.
The 2015 Shad Fishing Tournament, hosted by Goldsboro Parks and Recreation and EZ Bait and Tackle, has been postponed until March 21 due to high water levels.
Water levels in the Neuse River have continued to rise over the past few weeks as heavy rains and inclement weather have pounded Wayne County.
"Water levels are very high right now due to rain and runoff," city recreation superintendent Felicia Brown said. "I would say about 95 percent or more of our participants do bank fishing, and even if the water levels dropped back down by Saturday, the banks would still be really muddy."
Muddy banks mean that participants could slip and cause themselves injury while fishing, Mrs. Brown said.
Shad fish are famous for being a good sport fish to catch, as many will fight after being hooked, often executing several flips and end-over-end maneuvers in an attempt to free themselves from the fishing line.
Anglers and fishermen use both spinning and fly fishing tackle to catch shad fish, as they usually lurk in the deepest part of the river, requiring fishermen to use long lines and weighty bait.
More than 50 participants signed up so far for this year's event. The last day for registration is March 19, and it costs $20 to enter.
There will be a first-, second- and third-place prizes for the heaviest creel, the largest American white shad and the largest hickory shad. There will be a fourth-place prize for the smallest shad.
All fish must be caught on the day of the tournament, and only rod and reel fishing is allowed. Each shad caught must be caught within the Wayne County limits, and judges reserve the right to cut open and inspect any contested fish.