Early in the season, I like to arrive around 7 or 8 PM, and do a little bass fishing till its dark. You might not hear shad this time of the year, but that doesn't mean they will not come up on a red-fin.
I personally have not been this year, was planning a trip during the middle of the week, but don't know if it will happen.
The only way to know when they are coming up is to go and start early, and fish till the fish come up, or you give up, lol. Once you find out what time they are coming up, if you fish every night, you will notice that there is usually around 15-20 min difference each night. Unless someone can post the time, I would be there at dark.
This time of the year, I would throw a sliver, and a red-fin. You can catch them on both, but usually one is better than the other. Chrome/black broken back is the only redfin you will need, just be sure to change the hooks, and take that split ring off the nose, and attach a speed clip, or something of that nature. I always replace the original split rings for the hooks also, they are too large, and one size smaller split rings will help greatly. The hooks I use are Gamakatsu #2 EWG's, and I promise, you won't have a problem getting a hook in them, as a matter of fact the only suggestion I have is to hang on to the rod very very tight, lol.
No need to mofidy the sliver, they are usually good to go right out of the box.
Its time to go, by Easter Weekend they are usually in full swing, lets hope the last major cold fronts are behind us.
Let us know how you do!
Don