What equipment do I need to catch Reeves shad?

Recommended rod: Light spinning rod, 5‑6 ft, fast action. Line weight: 4‑6 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon. Technique: Surface casting and slow retrieval to imitate fleeing baitfish. Best bait: Live shrimp, minnows or artificial soft plastic bait.

Where are the best places to catch Reeves shad?

Top fishing locations for Reeves shad: Mekong Delta - Can Tho, Vietnam; Chao Phraya River near Bangkok, Thailand; Tonle Sap Floodplain, Cambodia; Ganges Delta – Sundarbans Edge, Bangladesh; Bali Strait (Bali–Java), Indonesia.

What equipment do I need to catch Reeves shad?

Recommended rod: Light spinning rod, 5‑6 ft, fast action. Line weight: 4‑6 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon. Technique: Surface casting and slow retrieval to imitate fleeing baitfish. Best bait: Live shrimp, minnows or artificial soft plastic bait.

Where are the best places to catch Reeves shad?

Top fishing locations for Reeves shad: Mekong Delta - Can Tho, Vietnam; Chao Phraya River near Bangkok, Thailand; Tonle Sap Floodplain, Cambodia; Ganges Delta – Sundarbans Edge, Bangladesh; Bali Strait (Bali–Java), Indonesia.

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Fish Details

Reeves shad

Q: When is the best time to catch Reeves shad?

The best season for Reeves shad is Late spring to early summer (April‑June) when spawning migrations occur. Best time of day: Dawn and dusk.

Tenualosa reevesii

Reeves shad (Tenualosa reevesii) is a silvery, migratory fish prized for its delicate flavor and strong schooling behavior, making it a popular target for both sport and commercial anglers. It moves between marine, brackish and freshwater habitats during spawning runs, offering year‑round opportunities in estuaries.

Fight

Taste

Basic Information

Family

Dorosomatidae

Max Size

61.6 cm

Max Weight

5 kg

Habitat

marine, freshwater, brackish

Depth Range

0-50m

Climate

tropical

Best Season

Late spring to early summer (April‑June) when spawning migrations occur

Best Time

Dawn and dusk

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Reeves shad

Use light spinning gear with a fast action rod to match the shad’s quick bursts
Present small surface lures or live bait such as shrimp or small minnows near the surface
Target schools near river mouths and tidal inflows during moving water
Trawl or drift with a small spread of light line to avoid spooking the tight schools

Top Fishing Locations for Reeves shad

Mekong Delta - Can Tho

Vietnam

intermediate68% Common

The lower Mekong estuary offers abundant Reeves shad during the annual flood season, with many local anglers targeting them from riverboats.

Best: May-October

Chao Phraya River near Bangkok

Thailand

beginner55% Common

The tidal stretch of the Chao Phraya sees strong shad runs in late summer, accessible from the capital with numerous charter services.

Best: July-September

Tonle Sap Floodplain

Cambodia

expert45% Occasional

During the high-water period the Tonle Sap expands dramatically, creating prime feeding grounds for Reeves shad; a bucket‑list destination for dedicated anglers.

Best: June-October

Ganges Delta – Sundarbans Edge

Bangladesh

intermediate50% Common

The brackish waters at the edge of the Sundarbans mangrove forest host seasonal shad migrations, reachable via guided boat tours.

Best: August-December

Bali Strait (Bali–Java)

Indonesia

intermediate38% Occasional

Strong currents through the Bali Strait concentrate shad during the monsoon, attracting anglers seeking larger specimens.

Best: November-February

Yangtze River Estuary – Chongming Island

China

beginner30% Occasional

The estuarine flats near Chongming Island are known for occasional Reeves shad runs, less frequented but offering a quiet experience.

Best: April-June

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Reeves shad

Recommended Equipment

RodLight spinning rod, 5‑6 ft, fast action

Line4‑6 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon

Lure TypeSmall spoon, surface popper or soft plastic jig (1‑2 in)

TechniqueSurface casting and slow retrieval to imitate fleeing baitfish

Best bait: Live shrimp, minnows or artificial soft plastic bait