I've heard of the American Shad but never seen one. My buddy caught two fish on that last trip. Here's the other one, both caught on the Flitterbait 4. They wouldn't hit live bait.

Your buddy had a great fishing trip. Anyone who catches two big ones on a trip deserves to be commended and I know he had a blast. I don't know many fish he has caught this size but it only takes one to get in your blood and ruin you for life. My first one(and largest one to date) went over 35lbs. and created an obsession that has lasted over 20 years. I practically gave up fishing for other species to concentrate on big stripers. I have mellowed somewhat in the past few years and spend more time with the bream, bass and perch, but nothing compares to the feeling you get when you have a bait that weighs over a pound and your reel starts screaming with the rod doubled over. If your friend wasn't infected with the big fish bug previously he will be now.

BTW, would you mind sharing some details on his fishing trip? Fish weight? River or lake? Guided trip?

No it wasn't a guided trip. He was fishing in TN below a dam. Can't give exact location because it is a hot spot, but it is known for producing huge stripers. He was fishing for big fish using live skipjack shad behind planer boards. He said fishing was slow for everyone around in other boats and no fish were caught on the live bait. He saw the stripers come up twice and feed on the surface. Thats when he picked up his lite combo rod and reel and chucked Flitterbait 4's past the school and then burning it through. Both fish are now the biggest stripers he has ever caught. They always look bigger close up than they do in pictures, but I would say both fish are in the 30 lb range. The first is closer the 30 and the other is closer to 40. It's hard to say for sure. He took a quick picture and then released both fish. Never got a weight.

how do you rig for live bait?

Scott Smith... I am not surprised at the guesstimated weights of those two stripers. They are awesome. Tennessee has a reputation for producing some giant fish. I am still trying for a 40 lb fish but can't seem to get over the hump. Those pics are really giving me the fever again. I am usually chasing the stripers regularly this time of year but my outboard has been acting up so it is going in the shop tomorrow. And the next three months are some of the best for big stripers.

bluecat81....Most of the time I rig up one of two ways. Sometimes early in the year I will freeline the bait. As the water heats up I will use a balloon or good size float to suspend the bait just above the depth where I think the fish are. Big gizzard shad are incredibly strong and have lots of stamina so I will use a 1 1/2 to 2 oz. double swivel weight with a 3 to 5 ft. leader to hold the bait down. Balloon fishing is very effective if you have never tried it. Blow some air into it,tie with a half knot to your line and slide it to the depth you want to fish. Make sure the balloon will slide on your line if you get a hit. I use circle hooks and let the fish run a good ways before applying pressure.

I could use one of those about right now