shads and leadheads

Question
I bought some shads and leadheads and would like to know the best way to use them.

Answer
Hi Ian;
 You give no indication as to where you fish nor what species you are seeking.  So I will have to give you a very general answer.

I have found these to be extremely effictive for striped bass, especially during the fall here on LI, NY where I do most of my fishing.  

Again, you do not mention the size of the lead heads nor the size of the shad bodies, so I can only tell you what works for me.  I like to use the 1/2 ounce heads with bodies in the 4 inch size for casting.  I use the heavier heads and larger bodies for vertical jigging.

One very important factor is running the hook through the head of the shad body.  I have had friends fish with me and seen the negative effect of curling the body.  You want the hook going through the head in such a way that the body and head look as natural as possible, straight in line with eachother.  The easiest way to accomplish this is to hold the jig head over the shad body and see just where to insert the hook and just where to pull it out so the head becomes part of the body.  I sometime cut off the front 1/2 inch or so of the shad body so the jig head and body meet in as perfect an alignment as possible.  I do this because I have yet to see shad with two sets of eyes, one pair infront of the other.  Though you can catch fish without doing this, it just seems to me to offer a slightly more realistic lure.  I may not catch more fish by doing this, but I certainly do not catch less.  

If you would like a follow up, please ask away, just give me more information about how you would like to use them, method, species, area and such.  I do a great deal of fishing with shad bodies and should be able to help you out.

-Rich