Contest Info
Prizes
News & Events
Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest – April 23rd to 26th, 2026
2026 Registration Count
Welcome to our website, my name is Eric Fistler, and I have lived by and fished the Delaware River, my entire life. I started the Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest in 2011 after the Easton Shad tournament ceased operations. The Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest is a fun-filled family event, with something for everyone. There is a top ten payout, along with 3 daily prizes. there are 2 senior bonus prizes, a veterans bonus prize, a top 3 women’s bonus prizes, and top 5 kids bonus prizes, in 2 age groups. Age 11 and under, and Age 12 to 15. Prize amounts are determined by entry fees and sponsorship fees. Pending approval, a Yamaha G3 Boat, with a 90/65 Jet drive, and Bear Trailer, will be given away. Included with your registration, all contestants are entered into a drawing for the boat package giveaway. Fishing takes place anywhere on the Delaware River. Tributaries are off-limit.
Online registration. Please note that you can only register and pay for one person at a time. Follow the online instructions to choose either adult, or kids option, and shirt size. We are asking that contestants try to pick up your contest t/shirt, either during the contest, or Monday, April 27 2026, 6 pm, at the awards ceremony, located at the Phillipsburg boat launch.
2026 Shad Contest Dates Are April 23, 24, 25, 26
Finals for the 2026 Bi State Shad Fishing Contest
Congratulations to Adam Rehl, Winner of the 17 Foot Yamaha G3 CCJ Camo Boat, with a Yamaha 90/65 Jetdrive Outboard.
2026 Bi-State: Shad Fishing Contest Winners & Prizes
1st- $20,000 Lawrence Major, Newton, NJ. 5.515 lb
2nd- $2,500 James Ashe, Columbia, NJ. 5.045 lb
3rd- $ 2,000 Rob Staples, Stroudsburg, Pa. 5.000 lb
4th- $1,200 Joel Caton, Bangor, Pa. 4.930
5th- $1,150 Doug Defanti, Coopersburg, Pa. 4.910 lb
6th- $1,100 Mark Preston, Easton, Pa. 4.905 lb
7th- $1,050 Rich Cleaver, Easton, Pa. 4.885 lb
8th- $1,000 John Mizisko, Alpha, NJ. 4.880 lb
9th- $950 Ray Phillips, Ottsville, Pa. 4.805 lb
10th- $900 Rich Walk, Nazareth, Pa. 4.765 lB
Day 1 Results
1. $200 Rob Staples 5.000 lb
2. $150 Joel Caton 4.930 lb
3. $100 Doug Defanti 4.910 lb
Day 2 Results:
1. $200 Lawrence Major 5.515 lb
2. $150 Zach Zupan 4.730 lb
3. $100 Bobby Stevely 4.630 lb
Day 3 Results
1. $200 Rich Cleaver 4.885 lb
2. $150 John Mizisko 4.880 lb
3. $100 Dave Hill 4.755 lb
Day 4 Results
1. $200 James Ashe 5.045 lb
2. $150 Ray Phillips 4.805 lb
3. $100 Rich Walk 4.765 lb
Kids Age 11 & Under
1st $250 Macy Silva 4.385 lbs
2nd $150 Jacob Buss 4.385 lbs
3rd $100 Macy Silva 4.355 lbs
4th $75 Chase Helm 4.315 lbs
5th $50 Owen Bench 4.305 lbs
3rd $100 Nicholas Jiorle 4.415 lbs
4th $75 Nicholas Jiorle 4.340 lbs
5th $50 Ryan Kunst 4.335 lbs
Women’s Bonus Prizes
1st $300 Maria Kitchen 4.565 lbs
2nd $200 Richelle DeArmis 4.530 lbs
3rd $100 Janell Tilstra 4.510 lbs
Rob Staples $100 5.000 lb
Sr Bonus Prize Age 75 & Up
Lawrence Major $100 5.515 lbs
Veterans Bonus Prize
Lawrence Major $350 5.515
Congratulations to , winner of the boat
If you are looking to book a Shad Fishing Trip, the following guides are sponsors of the Bi State Shad Fishing Contest.
Rusty Balls Tackle & Guide Service
Rusty has just about anything you need for Shad fishing. Darts, Spoons, Diver Plugs, Dipsy & Trip Z Divers, In Line Weights, Downriggers, and much more.
Finseeker River Guide Service Shad, Stripers, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, and Flathead Catfish
Big D River Guide Service, with Captain Dieter Scheel 610 574 7519
2025 Bi-State Shad Fishing Contest Champion
Kyle Sandt
We Support
Address:
715 Buttermilk Road
Hellertown PA 18055-9779
Phone:
610-762-0440
Title Sponsors
