The Shad Dart, also known as the Puff Head Fly in North Carolina (NC,) is an easy to tie pattern for catching shad on the fly. There are many variations of the shad dart and this one is mine. It can be tied with different colored heads and tails or in solid colors. You can also tie the shad dart with either heavy brass or lead eyes, or with beadchain for a lighter presentation. I prefer the 5/32 hourglass or dumbbell eye as it gets the fly down to the bottom where the shad are fast. Typically this pattern is tied in size 4 through size 8.
Shad Dart Recipe:
Hook: #6 Mustad 3366A
Thread: 6/0 Fire Orange Uni-Thread
Eyes: 5/32 Hourglass Eyes
Tail: White Kip (Calf) Tail
Body: Orange Flash
Head: Orange Ultra Chenille
For more information about fly fishing for shad, check out www.shadonthefly.com