Best Shad Fishing Plugs of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2025

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Shad fishing plugs are a type of fishing lure designed to attract and catch shad, a popular game fish found in many rivers and streams. These plugs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, and are designed to mimic the natural movements and appearance of shad baitfish. They are typically made from durable materials such as plastic or wood, and are equipped with hooks and other features to help increase their effectiveness. Shad fishing plugs are a popular choice among anglers looking to catch this elusive fish, and can be a valuable addition to any fishing tackle collection.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Berkley Hit Stick Crankbait, Tennessee Shad Cover #TOP 1
Berkley Hit Stick Crankbait, Tennessee Shad
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Strike King Red Eye Shad Fishing Lure Cover #TOP 2
Strike King Red Eye Shad Fishing Lure
ftb score rating icon 9.7
LUCKY CRAFT Flashminnow 110 Surf Fishing Lure Cover #TOP 3
LUCKY CRAFT Flashminnow 110 Surf Fishing Lure
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Shad Fishing Plugs

#TOP 1

Berkley Hit Stick Crankbait, Tennessee Shad

BERKLEY
BHBHSF7-TNS
Tennessee Shad
2 3/4in - 1/4 oz
Berkley Hit Stick Crankbait, Tennessee Shad Cover
Berkley Hit Stick Fishing Lure, Tennessee Shad, 1/4 oz, 2 3/4in | 7cm Crankbaits, Largest Rolling Action of Any Berkley Hard Bait, Equipped with Sharp Fusion19 Hook

The Berkley Hit Stick is a versatile crankbait that can be used as a finesse jerk bait, trolling bait, or casting bait for predator fish. It features an enticing tight tail action, providing the largest rolling action of any Berkley hard bait, ensuring maximum side flash even at slow speeds. With its high-pitch rattle, it effectively attracts predator game fish. Additionally, the sharp Fusion19 hooks offer easy penetration and excellent holding ability, making it ideal for both shore and boat fishing.

What We Like
Versatile for various fishing techniques
Large rolling action for visibility
Effective at attracting fish
Sharp hooks for better catch rates
Suitable for shore and boat use
#TOP 2

Strike King Red Eye Shad Fishing Lure

REYESD14-568
Green Gizzard Shad
0.25-Ounce
Strike King Red Eye Shad Fishing Lure Cover
Strike King Red Eye Shad Green Gizzard Shad 0.25-Ounce 1-Piece Fishing Lure

The Strike King Red Eye Shad is designed for exceptional performance on the water. Its incredible action mimics a wounded baitfish, attracting predators effectively. The realistic paint adds to its lifelike appearance, making it more enticing for fish. Equipped with premium hooks, you can trust that your catch will stay hooked. Additionally, the lure features 3D eyes, enhancing its realism and increasing your chances of a successful catch. This combination of features ensures that you can fish with confidence and efficiency.

What We Like
Effective fish attraction
Realistic appearance
Durable hooks
Enhanced visibility
#TOP 3

LUCKY CRAFT Flashminnow 110 Surf Fishing Lure

SW-FM110-720ZMSAS
5/8 oz
LUCKY CRAFT Flashminnow 110 Surf Fishing Lure Cover
LUCKY CRAFT Flashminnow 110 (720 Zebra MS American Shad), Surf Fishing Lure

The LUCKY CRAFT Flashminnow 110 is a versatile surf fishing lure measuring 4-1/2 inches (110mm) in length. Weighing 5/8 oz (16.5g), it allows for easy casting, making it suitable for various fishing conditions. Designed to dive to a depth of 1-2 feet (0.5m), this lure is perfect for targeting fish in shallow waters. Its slow suspending action enhances its effectiveness, making it attractive to fish. You’ll appreciate the VMC #6 hooks that ensure strong hookups when you use this lure.

What We Like
Effective in shallow waters
Easy to cast
Strong VMC hooks
Attractive slow suspending action
Versatile for various conditions
#TOP 4

Strike King KVD Square Bill Fishing Lure

HCKVDS1.5-598
Chart Shad
1.5-ounce
Strike King KVD Square Bill Fishing Lure Cover
Strike King (HCKVDS1.5-598) KVD Square Bill 1.5 Fishing Lure, 598 - Chartreuse Shad, 3/8 oz, Unique Action

The Strike King KVD Lure features a unique action that mimics the movement of prey, making it highly effective for attracting fish. With no internal rattles, it provides a stealthy approach that can be advantageous in clear water conditions. This lure dives between 3 to 6 feet, allowing you to target fish at various depths. Its 3/8 oz weight ensures easy casting, giving you more control over your fishing experience. This combination of features makes it a great choice for anglers looking to enhance their catch rate.

What We Like
Effective unique action
Stealthy, no rattles
Dives 3-6 feet
Easy casting
#TOP 5

Strike King KVD 1.5 Hard Knock Crankbait

HCKVD1.5HK-517
TN Shad
1.5 Inch
Strike King KVD 1.5 Hard Knock Crankbait Cover
Strike King KVD 1.5 Hard Knock Squarebill Crankbait for Bass Fishing (TN Shad)

The Strike King KVD Crankbait is designed to enhance your bass fishing experience. Its size and action mirror the original KVD 1.5 Squarebill, making it familiar and effective. The unique Hard Knock rattle system delivers a deep thud that resonates underwater, perfect for attracting fish in lower visibility conditions. This sound is particularly effective in heavy cover, driving bass wild. You’ll find that this crankbait not only draws the attention of fish but also increases your chances of a successful catch.

What We Like
Effective in low visibility
Deep thud sound attracts bass
Ideal for heavy cover fishing
Same size as original model
#TOP 6

Strike King Red Eye Shad Crankbait Lure

REYESD38-500
3/8 oz
Strike King Red Eye Shad Crankbait 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 Eye Shad is a premier lipless crankbait designed for serious anglers. Its excellent action and premium features, including 3D eyes and free-floating rattles, attract bass and walleye effectively. You can utilise it across various seasons, whether you're fishing along grass edges in spring or aggressively ripping it in summer. The sharp size 4 treble hooks ensure that once a fish bites, it stays hooked, giving you confidence on the water.

What We Like
Effective for various fish species
Excellent action and sound
Sharp treble hooks
All-season versatility
Designed by professional anglers
#TOP 7

BANDIT LURES Walleye Shallow Minnow Jerkbait

BDTWBS1D08
4.5 Inch, 5/8 Ounce
BANDIT LURES Walleye Shallow Minnow Jerkbait Cover
BANDIT LURES Walleye Shallow Minnow Jerkbait Fishing Lure, Fishing Accessories, Dives ro 12-feet Deep, 4 3/4", 5/8 oz, Transparent Gizzard Shad, (BDTWBS1D08)

The BANDIT LURES Jerkbait is a versatile fishing lure designed for targeting walleye, zander, and other predator fish. Measuring 4 3/4 inches, it dives to around 12 feet, making it ideal for deeper trolling on long casts. The lure features effective colour patterns that work in various conditions, ensuring you can attract fish no matter where you are. Additionally, tough trebles and piercing 3D eyes provide a reliable target, enhancing your chances of a successful catch.

What We Like
Effective for walleye and zander
Dives to 12 feet deep
Universal colour patterns
Tough trebles for reliability
#TOP 8

Strike King KVD Jerkbait Fishing Lure, Chartreuse

HCKVDJ200-538
Strike King KVD Jerkbait Fishing Lure, Chartreuse Cover
Strike King (HCKVDJ200-538) KVD Jerkbait 2-Hook Fishing Lure, 538 - Chartreuse Sexy Shad, 3/8 oz, Weight Transfer System

The Strike King Jerkbait Lure is designed to enhance your fishing experience. It features a weight transfer system, allowing for longer casts and improved accuracy, making it easier for you to reach those elusive fish. The lure is equipped with realistic 3D eyes, which can attract fish by mimicking the appearance of natural prey. Additionally, its premium black nickel hooks provide excellent durability and sharpness, ensuring a secure hook-set when you make a catch. This combination of features makes it a reliable choice for anglers of all levels.

What We Like
Effective weight transfer system
Realistic 3D eyes
Durable black nickel hooks
#TOP 9

Strike King KVD Jerkbait Fishing Lure 469

HCKVDJ300-469
Tennessee Shad
Strike King KVD Jerkbait Fishing Lure 469 Cover
Strike King (HCKVDJ300-469) KVD Jerkbait 3-Hook Fishing Lure, 469 - TN Shad 2.0, 1/2 oz, Weight Transfer System

The Strike King Jerkbait 469 is designed for avid anglers seeking efficiency and effectiveness. The weight transfer system enhances casting distance and accuracy, allowing you to reach those tricky spots with ease. With 3D eyes that create a life-like appearance, the lure attracts fish, increasing your chances of a successful catch. Additionally, the premium black nickel hooks ensure durability and sharpness, providing confidence that your catch won't escape. Overall, this lure combines innovative features to elevate your fishing experience.

What We Like
Effective weight transfer system
Realistic 3D eyes
Durable black nickel hooks
Increased casting distance
Attractive to fish

ODS Lure Minnow Bait Fishing Set

5pcs-Set A
60mm/3g
ODS Lure Minnow Bait Fishing Set Cover
ODS Lure Minnow Bait Topwater Plastic Fishing Tackle Set for Bass Trout Shad (60mm/3g, 5pcs-Set A)

The ODS Lure Fishing Tackle is crafted from high-quality ABS plastic, ensuring durability for your fishing adventures. Its realistic design features high-resolution body details and 3D lifelike fish eyes, making it an attractive choice for catching various fish. You can easily control the lure's dive speed and depth by adjusting the retrieval speed of your fishing line. Additionally, it comes rigged with a strong flat ring and sharp treble hook, providing confidence in your catch.

What We Like
Durable ABS plastic material
Realistic 3D fish eyes
Adjustable dive speed
Sharp treble hook
Suitable for various waters
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What do you use for shad fishing?

Shad darts are a longtime go-to for these fish. Traditional color patterns include red and white, but other bright-colored dart-style lures will catch shad. There are a good number of small spoons, simple spinners and crappie-style weighted jig heads with bright twisty-tails that will account for lots of hooked shad.

2. What is a shad lure good for?

The quivering, undulating tails give them an alluring motion and send out vibrations that add an auditory appeal to lure a fish to strike. Plus, they also work year-round, in both cold weather conditions and on brutally hot summer days. No wonder soft plastic shad lures are one of the most effective baits you can use.

3. What fish can you catch with a plug?

As a general rule large plugs are used for large fish, and small plugs for small fish. Fishermen casting for very small fish such as crappie will use very small plugs, and anglers fishing for large fish such muskellunge or Murray cod will use extremely large plugs.

Editor's Notes

During our shad fishing plug research, we found 40 shad fishing plug products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 19,991 customer reviews through our big data system to write the shad fishing plugs list. We found that most customers choose shad fishing plugs with an average price of £16.00.

The shad fishing plugs are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of shad fishing plugs, including BERKLEY, Strike King, LUCKY CRAFT, BANDIT LURES, ods lure.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.