SHAD ...A catfishermens DREAM bait......

[racn35]

Fellow catfishermen and tidalfish members I fish with Scott (Gottafish) & Steve (Cataholic) ........were doing just that not long ago......cast netting for shad to use as cut bait for catfish......You have to see this to believe it. Count how many GAR Scot got in 1 throw of the net !!!

YouTube - Gar Fishing 101

[jonnycat]

I have gotten 2-5 gar(not that many), as many as 8 carp(up to 15lbs), and so many shad I couldn't lift it over the gunnels. I take it that he got them out of the net without tearing it up too bad. How are the gar for bait? I'm hoping to get down that way soon. Later for now---jonnycat

[BIGBERN]

If putting in at deep bottom where would be the best place to throw the cast net to get some shad? I am thinking about going Sat. have never fished that area.

[jonnycat]

As soon as I get the boat away from the ramp/dock I start looking at the graph. Tells me every time where to throw the net or set the gill net. Usually doesn't take more than a few throws if you are on the bait. I had just soon use the cast net as to pick a bunch out of the gill net. It can get loaded up quicker than you sometimes are aware of. Down to the left from the ramp you will see the old pit entrance with pilings on both sides. This is a good place to look. The ones who fish the river 2-3 times a week can give you more detailed 411 than me. Hope this helps. Later for now---jonnycat

[racn35]

threw em all back - not good for bait - at least we never I have never tried them for bait

[BIGBERN]

As soon as I get the boat away from the ramp/dock I start looking at the graph. Tells me every time where to throw the net or set the gill net. Usually doesn't take more than a few throws if you are on the bait. I had just soon use the cast net as to pick a bunch out of the gill net. It can get loaded up quicker than you sometimes are aware of. Down to the left from the ramp you will see the old pit entrance with pilings on both sides. This is a good place to look. The ones who fish the river 2-3 times a week can give you more detailed 411 than me. Hope this helps. Later for now---jonnycat

Thanks for the info jonnycat. I will give it a try Sat morning.

[Salmo trutta]

Questions is, now do you catch those guys on a hook and line? I've seen them schooled up in the lower portions of the potomac where a cast net catch like that could be doable. They didn't hit a thing though. They were all at the surface gulping air on April afternoon.

[RKOCH]

Oh yes they bit hook and line all the time. They love live bait and cut bait. Also caught them on many lures.

[racn35]

you bet - caught 100's on hook and line.....great fight while the rush lasts !

[rough n ready]

Anybody looking for shad that dosent want to throw for I can help out with fresh or frozen