shad = minnows
slab = solid metal, oblong shape, usually white with eyes on either side, treble hook on the tail, sometimes a small furry tail. you drop 'em straight down free fall with finger sliding down the line for feel. they usually hit it on the way down. takes alot of practice to be able to feel 'em take it. slabs are kinda cheating in my eyes, but quite useful when the sand bass are above the stripers.

i like "hellbenders" for trolling.
hellbender = 5-6 inch long 2 body segment, 3 treble hooks, usually silver with blue bellies, deep diver bill on its head. wobbles back and forth almost violently, stripers love that shit!