Best Shad Fishing Lures of 2026

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 5, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Shad fishing lures are a popular choice for anglers who want to catch this elusive fish. These lures are designed to mimic the movement and appearance of shad, which is a favorite prey of many game fish species. Shad fishing lures come in a variety of sizes and colors, and are made from a range of materials, including plastic, metal, and rubber. Some lures are designed to be fished on the surface, while others are designed to be fished at different depths. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, shad fishing lures are a great addition to your tackle box.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Rapala Shad Rap 05 Fishing lure Cover #TOP 1
Rapala Shad Rap 05 Fishing lure
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Strike King Red Eyed Shad Lure Cover #TOP 2
Strike King Red Eyed Shad Lure
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Storm WildEye Swim Shad 04 Cover #TOP 3
Storm WildEye Swim Shad 04
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Shad Fishing Lures

#TOP 1

Rapala Shad Rap 05 Fishing lure

SR05S
Silver
Rapala Shad Rap 05 Fishing lure Cover
Rapala Shad Rap 05 Fishing lure (Silver, Size- 2)

The Rapala Shad Rap 05 Fishing lure, also known as the Rapala Shad Rap Lure, is the world's best running hardbait. Hand-tuned and tank-tested at the factory, this lure features a balsa wood construction and a natural baitfish profile. Its legendary wounded minnow action makes it irresistible to fish. Whether you are casting or trolling, the Shad Rap is designed to be fished at ultra slow speeds to super fast speeds. This versatility allows you to adapt to different fishing conditions and target various species. With the Rapala Shad Rap Lure, you can experience the convenience of a high-quality fishing lure that delivers exceptional performance and increases your chances of a successful catch.

What We Like
World's best running hardbait
Balsa wood construction
Natural baitfish profile
#TOP 2

Strike King Red Eyed Shad Lure

REYESD38-699
699 - Natural Shad
3/8 oz
Strike King Red Eyed Shad Lure Cover
Strike King Red Eye Shad Fishing Lure, Lipless Crankbait, Free-floating Internal Rattles, 3D Eyes, Premium Size 4 Treble Hooks, 3/8-Ounce, Sinking

The Strike King Red Eyed Shad is a top-performing lipless crankbait designed for catching various fish, including bass and walleye. Its premium engineering features lifelike 3D eyes and free-floating rattles, which create enticing sounds and movements in the water, making it easier for you to attract fish. You can use it in different seasons; for instance, working it along grass edges in spring or aggressively ripping it in summer can trigger bites. The sharp treble hooks ensure that once a fish is hooked, it stays on until you bring it in. This lure is crafted with expert input to help you succeed on the water.

What We Like
Effective for various fish
High-quality construction
Versatile for all seasons
Sharp treble hooks
#TOP 3

Storm WildEye Swim Shad 04

WSS04PRL
Pearl
Storm WildEye Swim Shad 04 Cover
Storm WildEye Swim Shad 04 (Pearl, Size- 4)

The Storm WildEye Swim Shad 04, also known as the Storm Swim Shad, is a top-quality fishing soft plastic lure. These baits are designed to mimic the appearance and movement of real shad fish, making them highly effective in attracting predatory fish. The super-soft hand-poured bodies give them a lifelike feel, while the internal lead heads and bio-salt impregnated tails add durability and realistic swimming action. The holographic swimmin' foil finish and 3-D WildEye stare further enhance their appeal. Pre-rigged with VMC needle point hooks, these baits are ready to use right out of the pack. With their ultra-realistic design and superior construction, the Storm Swim Shad is a must-have for any angler looking to target fish that prey on shad.

What We Like
Ultra-realistic design
Durable construction
Pre-rigged with VMC needle point hooks
#TOP 4

Dr.Fish Lipless Crankbait VIB Hard Bait

FBA_DF3HLA6A
Dr.Fish Lipless Crankbait VIB Hard Bait Cover
Dr.Fish 3 Pack Lipless Crankbait VIB Hard Bait Sinking Bass Lure Chrome Laser Painting 3D Eyes Rattle Balls Treble Hook Split Ring Tackle Box Freshwater Shad Perch Walleye Musky

Introducing the Dr.Fish Lipless Crankbait VIB Hard Bait, a topwater fishing lure designed to enhance your fishing experience. With its reflective laser painting, realistic 3D eyes, and lifelike presentation, this crankbait is sure to attract the attention of bass and other freshwater fish. By simply adjusting the retrieval speed, you can control the depth of the lure in the water, allowing you to target fish at different levels. The internal rattles produce vibrations that mimic baitfish, enticing curious fish to bite. Additionally, the aerodynamic design of this crankbait ensures long casting and accurate trajectory, making it easier for you to reach your desired fishing spot. Equipped with high-quality split rings and sharp treble hooks, the Dr.Fish Crankbait offers a high hook-up ratio, increasing your chances of landing a catch. Don't miss out on this versatile and effective fishing lure!

What We Like
Lifelike Presentation
Adjustable Depth Control
Internal Rattles for Added Attraction
Long Casting and Accurate Trajectory
#TOP 5

XFISHMAN Shad Darts Fishing Lures

Shad Darts
XFISHMAN Shad Darts Fishing Lures Cover
Shad Darts Fishing Lures Dart Head Jig Underspin Bucktail Hair Jigs Head for American Shad Bass Walleye Crappie Panfish 1/16oz 1/8oz 1/32oz 1/4oz 25 Pack

XFISHMAN Shad Darts Fishing Lures are a must-have in every angler's arsenal, offering the flash of a spinnerbait, attraction of a bucktail jig, and profile of a Shad Darts combined in a single bait. The unique design features an indiana underspin blade, creating an irresistible swim pattern and fish-attracting vibration. These jig heads are easy to use, suitable for various water conditions, and come in 5 classic color combinations and 3 weights.

What We Like
Features a unique design with an indiana underspin blade, creating an irresistible swim pattern and fish-attracting vibration
Easy to use, suitable for various water conditions, and come in 5 classic color combinations and 3 weights
Offers the flash of a spinnerbait, attraction of a bucktail jig, and profile of a Shad Darts combined in a single bait

TRUSCEND Fishing Lures for Bass Trout

A-3.5",0.45oz
TRUSCEND Fishing Lures for Bass Trout Cover
TRUSCEND Fishing Lures for Bass Trout Jighead Lures Paddle Tail Swimbaits Soft Fishing Baits Freshwater Saltwater Jigging Bass Gear Fishing Gifts for Men

TRUSCEND Fishing Lures for Bass Trout Jighead Lures Paddle Tail Swimbaits Soft Fishing Baits are designed with Japan material and are the perfect size at 3.5in. These lures are suitable for multiple hits in freshwater and saltwater, targeting bass, trout, Walleye, pike snook, salmon, redfish and many more. The lures feature a special 3D paddle tail, ultra-realistic patterns, life-like halographic eyes, solid wire through construction, and ultra-sharp BKK back hook. The Top Hook protects against hangups and its weedless nature enables you to fish it well through all types of cover.

What We Like
Reliable and effective
Great swim action
Relatively sturdy
Excellent fish response
Easy to use
#TOP 7

VMSIXVM Fishing Jig Head Swim Shad Lure

VMSIXVM Fishing Jig Head Swim Shad Lure Cover
Fishing Lures for Bass, VMSIXVM Fishing Jig Head Swim Shad Lure, Soft Plastic Swimbaits with Paddle Tail, Trout Bass Sinking Baits Kit for Saltwater/Freshwater, Fishing Gear and Fishing Gifts

The VMSIXVM Swim Shad Lure is a set of 5 soft plastic fishing lures designed for bass fishing. Each lure is 3.15 inches long and weighs 0.45 ounces. Made from high-grade plastics, these lures are highly resistant to fish bites, ensuring they last longer and provide more value for your fishing gear. Equipped with a premium sharp hook, these lures offer unrivaled sharpness and penetration, making it easier to catch bass, trout, walleye, pike, salmon, and more. The lifelike swimming action and great attraction of these lures, thanks to their 3D T-tail design and fish attractant, will provoke predator fish to strike. With their jig head design, these lures are perfect for long casting, deep sinking, and high catching rates. Whether you're fishing in rivers, lakes, beaches, or oceans, the VMSIXVM Swim Shad Lure is an excellent choice to increase your catches and bring more fun to your fishing trips. Plus, with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can buy with confidence knowing that VMSIXVM stands behind their product.

What We Like
Made from high-grade plastics
Premium sharp hook
Lifelike swimming action
#TOP 8

USA Bass Tackle Patriot Shad Swimbaits

U.S.A. Bass Tackle
HD Sexy Shad
1/2oz - 3.5"
USA Bass Tackle Patriot Shad Swimbaits Cover
USA Bass Tackle Patriot Shad - Scent Infused Paddle Tail Swimbaits Pre Rigged Fishing Lures Premium Bait with Strong Owner Hook, Fishing Gear for Bass Freshwater Predator Fish - HD Sexy Shad

The USA Bass Patriot Shad is designed for fishing enthusiasts who want to catch big bass. With pre-rigged soft plastic swimbaits, you can start fishing right away, saving you time and effort. Its versatility allows you to use it in various ways, whether you prefer slow or fast retrieves. The realistic paddle tail and lifelike swimming action mimic real baitfish, making it more appealing to bass. Plus, it's made from high-quality materials infused with baitfish scent, ensuring long-lasting performance on the water.

What We Like
Pre-rigged for easy use
Versatile retrieval options
Realistic lifelike action
High-quality scent-infused materials
#TOP 9

Gary Yamamoto D-Shad Soft Plastic Swimbait

YAM-121-07-958
SMOKE SHAD (7 PACK)
5" D-SHAD
Gary Yamamoto D-Shad Soft Plastic Swimbait Cover
Gary Yamamoto 5" D-Shad Soft Plastic Fishing Angling Swimbait Lures | Side-to-Side Twitching Action |Sinks Level and Shimmies - 7 Pack, Smoke Shad

The Yamamoto D-Shad Swimbait is designed for anglers seeking an effective soft plastic jerk bait. Its heavier construction allows you to create aggressive movements while fishing at various depths. The molded-in weight enhances durability and reduces the need for excess lead, making rigging simpler. With a thicker tail, this lure delivers a captivating side-to-side twitching action that attracts fish. Additionally, the D-Shad sinks smoothly like a Senko, offering a desirable wobbling motion that increases your chances of a catch on the fall.

What We Like
Effective aggressive action
Durable with molded-in weight
Captivating twitching motion
Desirable wobbling sink action
#TOP 10

TRUSCEND T Shad Fishing Lure

TWC-A-CA
C-2.8"-0.37oz
2.8inch
TRUSCEND T Shad Fishing Lure Cover
TRUSCEND Pre-Rigged Fishing Jigs, Super Durable Bass Fishing Lures, Well-Made Lifelike Soft Shad Swimbait, MarshSwamp Fishing Lure for Trout Crappie Walleye

The TRUSCEND Fishing Lure is expertly crafted with high-quality materials from Japan, ensuring a lifelike design that mimics the erratic movements of baitfish. Its long-casting jig head allows you to cast far and achieve a slow sink, making it perfect for enticing various fish species. The unique 3D paddle tail creates realistic turbulence in the water, attracting fish with its natural movement. Additionally, the lure's durable construction features sharp hooks, ensuring that you won't miss your catch. This makes it an essential tool for any angler looking to enhance their fishing experience.

What We Like
High-quality Japanese materials
Long casting capability
Realistic movement
Durable construction
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What fish are attracted to shad?

Shad is a highly attractive bait for blue catfish and larger channel catfish. It can be used to catch both trophy-sized blue catfish and smaller ones. Shad is also effective in enticing sportfish like largemouth bass and striped bass.

2. Is shad a good bait for fishing?

Yes, shad is a great bait for fishing. It is especially versatile as it can be used at various depths and locations in the lake. Anglers can have a variety of shad bait options in their tackle boxes to target different hungry sportfish, including largemouth bass and striped bass.

3. What month is best for shad fishing?

The best time to fish for shad is from May until mid-July when they return to spawn. Shad can be easily caught as they swim upstream, especially in areas with a strong current. They are known to bite on small lures or flies, particularly small, bright colored jigs with or without bucktail or plastic grub tails.

4. What is the best time of day to catch shad?

The hours just before dark are considered prime fishing time for shad. However, when shad are abundant, they can be caught at any time of the day. It is important to note that shad don't feed when spawning, so anglers should try to provoke a strike by annoying the fish.

5. What is the best time of day to fish for shad?

Shad get into spawning mode after the sun goes down, but they won't bite at night. The hours just before dawn are also a prime time for shad fishing, as long as the water temperature isn't too cold. Shad are abundant and willing to bite, making them a great option for kids to fish.

Editor's Notes

During our shad fishing lure research, we found 24 shad fishing lure products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 71,502 customer reviews through our big data system to write the shad fishing lures list. We found that most customers choose shad fishing lures with an average price of $11.83.

The shad fishing lures are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of shad fishing lures, including Rapala, Strike King, Dr.Fish, XFISHMAN, TRUSCEND. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Paul Tilton Avatar

Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.