If you’ve ever walked along the shore of a lake or river and seen schools of silvery fish darting just under the surface, you may have witnessed a sight that fishing enthusiasts live for – gizzard shad. These small baitfish play a vital role in many aquatic ecosystems, serving food for larger game fish, birds, and other wildlife. They also are one of the most compelling live baits you can use to entice hungry predators like bass, pike, and walleye.

Mastering the techniques for catching gizzard shad is an essential skill for any avid angler, as they will help put more trophies on the stringer.

In this post on how to catch gizzard shad, I’ll share my tried-and-true methods for locating shad schools and filling your life so that you can boost your chances of a big catch on your next fishing trip.

What Will You Need?

Before you head out to catch gizzard shad, there are a few essential items you’ll need to gather. These include:

• A sturdy fishing rod and reel combo with medium-light to medium weight and a fast action tip.
• 4-6lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon line.
• Small hooks (size 8-12) and split shot weights.
• A cast net or a small dip net.
• A quality fish finder (optional but highly recommended).

Once you have these items, you’re ready to start your shad-catching adventure!

10 Easy Steps on How to Catch Gizzard Shad

Step 1. Locate the Shad:

The first step in catching gizzard shad is knowing where to find them. Gizzard shad tends to frequent areas with warmer and shallower water near weeds or other structures. They can also often be found at the surface as they are filter feeders. Use your fish finder to locate schools of shad or look for signs of their activity, such as jumping or rippling water.

Step 2. Choose the Right Time:

Gizzard shad are most active during the early morning and late evening hours, making these ideal times to net these baitfish. They tend to feed during these periods, thus increasing your chances of locating a school. Additionally, overcast or rainy conditions can prove beneficial as shad are more likely to be near the surface during these times. Make sure to plan your shad-catching expedition accordingly to maximize your success.

Step 3. Adopt the Right Technique:

Your method of catching gizzard shad largely depends on the tools you have at your disposal. If you’re using a cast net, aim to throw it over a school of shad and then pull it back in, trapping the fish. To use a dip net, simply plunge it into the water where you see shad activity and swiftly scoop it out. Remember, a gentle approach is key, as sudden movements can easily scare off gizzard shad. Practice makes perfect, so keep going even if you miss on your first few tries.

Step 4. Handle with Care:

Once you’ve caught gizzard shad, you’ll want to handle them with extreme care to ensure they stay alive and healthy for as long as possible. Gizzard shad are susceptible fish and can die from excessive handling.

Use a wet hand or a soft cloth to handle the shad and gently place them in your live or cooler. Keep the water in your life aerated and cool, as gizzard shad can quickly perish in warm, stagnant water. Taking these precautions can help ensure that your bait stays fresh and appealing to predator fish.

Step 5. Preserve Your Catch:

Preserving your catch of gizzard shad is crucial if you want to keep them as enticing bait. One of the most effective ways to protect shad is by freezing them, especially if you plan to wait to use them. First, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and dry before freezing.

Then, arrange the shad in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with wax paper and put them in the freezer. Once they’re fully frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and return them to the freezer. Remember to thaw them in your live or bait bucket before use, as a sudden temperature change can negatively affect their appeal as bait.

Step 6. Use Your Bait Efficiently:

Once you’ve successfully caught, handled, and preserved your gizzard shad, it’s time to put them to good use. Attach the shad to your hook by threading it through the mouth and out of the gill slit or by hooking it through the back just below the dorsal fin. Casting your line where you’ve seen game fish activity can increase your chances of a successful catch. Remember, live gizzard shad will swim and attract predatory fish, so be patient.

If using frozen bait, replace it with a new one regularly, as the scent and movement of fresh shad are more likely to attract fish. Using your gizzard shad efficiently and strategically will increase your chances of a successful fishing trip. After all, catching gizzard shad is all about helping you catch even bigger fish.

Step 7. Evaluate and Adjust:

Like any other baitfish, fishing with gizzard shad requires constant evaluation of your methods and willingness to adjust. Factors such as the season, the time of day, and the behavior of predator fish can drastically impact your success rate. If you’re not seeing results, consider changing your location or trying varying the depth you’re fishing.

Remember, gizzard shad is a favorite meal for many types of fish, so if you’re not catching anything, it may be a sign that you need to change your approach. Stay patient, observe the behavior of the fish, and be bold and experiment until you find what works best.

Step 8. Clean-up After Fishing:

Once you’ve finished your fishing trip, cleaning up properly is crucial. Dispose of unused gizzard shad responsibly, as leaving them behind can disrupt the local ecosystem. Also, remember to clean your fishing gear. Rinse your nets, rods, and hooks with fresh water to remove residual salt, dirt, and fish smell.

This not only maintains the life of your equipment but also prevents the spread of diseases among fish populations. Finally, properly store your gear to keep it in optimal condition for your next gizzard-shad-catching adventure.

Step 9. Respect the Environment:

As an angler, it’s essential to respect the environment and understand the impact of your actions on the local ecosystem. Avoid overfishing gizzard shad, as this can disrupt the food chain and negatively affect other aquatic species. Also, be aware of local regulations regarding the capture and use of gizzard shad as bait.

Some areas may have restrictions or require specific licenses. By being a responsible fisherman, you contribute to the sustainability of the sport and help maintain the health and balance of our waterways.

Step 10. Enjoy the Fishing Experience:

Lastly, enjoy the experience of fishing with gizzard shad. Catching your own bait can enhance your appreciation for the sport and deepen your connection with nature. Remember, fishing is as much about the journey as the catch.

Embrace the challenge, learn from your mistakes, and appreciate the peace and tranquility of spending time on the water. Whether you catch a trophy fish or enjoy a day outdoors, fishing with gizzard shad can provide a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

Following these steps and tips, you can catch gizzard shad and make the most of your fishing adventures. From catching to preservation and proper handling, every step is essential in ensuring a successful fishing trip. The more you practice these techniques, the better you will become at catching gizzard shad.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

1. Use the Right Equipment: Equip yourself with medium to heavy fishing rods to handle the size and strength of gizzard shad. A cast net with a 4- to 6-foot diameter will do the trick for catching these fish.
2. Perfect Timing: Early morning or late evening are the best times to catch gizzard shad as they are most active during these periods.
3. Location is Key: Gizzard shad inhabit areas with plenty of vegetation. Look for spots where the water is slightly murkier, with many plants and algae.
4. Use Attractive Bait: Gizzard shad are omnivorous and attracted to various baits. Corn, bread, or small pieces of worm can be effective.
5. Practice Patience: Like with any fishing, catching gizzard shad requires patience. If one spot isn’t successful, don’t be discouraged. Instead, move around and try different locations.

With these additional tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to catching gizzard shad like a pro!

5 Things You Should Avoid

1. Avoid Overcomplicating Your Setup: Gizzard shad is not particularly discerning, so there’s no need for elaborate or expensive tackle. Stick to a basic setup and focus more on your technique and location.
2. Don’t Ignore Weather Patterns: Gizzard shad are sensitive to changes in the weather. They tend to be less active during periods of drastic weather changes, so it’s best to avoid fishing during these times.
3. Avoid Dirty Bait: Always ensure your bait is fresh and clean. Dirty or old bait may turn gizzard shad away.
4. Don’t Fish in Clear Waters: Gizzard shad prefers murkier waters with plenty of vegetation. If the water is too clear, you’re unlikely to have much luck.
5. Avoid Being Static: Don’t stay in one place if you’re not having any luck. Gizzard shad are schooling fish and move around a lot, so be prepared to change spots frequently to find where they’re currently located.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll increase your chances of successfully catching gizzard shad. Remember to always respect the environment and practice responsible fishing techniques.

What is the Best Time of Day to Catch Shad?

As mentioned earlier, gizzard shad is most active during early morning and late evening hours. This is because they are more comfortable and less wary of predators in low-light conditions.

However, it’s not impossible to catch them at other times of the day. If you have no choice but to fish during the day, try targeting shaded areas or using a bait that mimics the low-light conditions.

Just remember to always be patient and persistent, as these fish can be unpredictable in their feeding patterns.  So whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, there’s always a chance of catching gizzard shad!

Where is the Best Place to Catch Shad?

Gizzard shad prefer to inhabit shallow, slow-moving bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and creeks. They are often found in areas with plenty of vegetation and cover.

When searching for the best spot to catch gizzard shad, keep an eye out for areas with overhanging trees or brush that provide shade and shelter. These fish also tend to congregate near structures such as docks or piers.

If you’re fishing from the shore, it’s best to target areas where there is a drop-off or change in depth. Gizzard shad tends to stay at mid-water levels, so look for spots around 5-10 feet deep.

Remember that gizzard shad is constantly on the move, so don’t be afraid to explore different locations and try out new spots. With the right knowledge and techniques, you’ll be reeling in gizzard shad in no time!

Conclusion

As our adventure comes to an end, I hope that this guide on how to catch gizzard shad has been helpful and informative. These underrated fish may not seem like much at first glance, but they hold incredible value in the world of fishing. From their delicious taste to their pivotal role as bait for bigger catches, gizzard shad are definitely worth trying to catch.

So why not grab your gear and head out to the nearest body of water? With the techniques and tips we’ve discussed, you’ll be sure to reel in some gizzard shad in no time. And who knows? You may even discover a newfound appreciation for these small yet mighty fish.

Hopefully, the article has not only taught you how to catch these elusive fish successfully but also instilled a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world of fishing. Happy fishing!