Texas Fishing Forum

How to catch deep shad

Posted By: JustinB

How to catch deep shad - 07/26/17 04:36 PM

So how do you accurately throw your net for deep shad?
-If you have a bow mount transducer, throw the net behind the boat as soon as you see the bait ball on your graph?
-What if you have a transom mount transducer? How can you throw your net quick enough once you see the bait ball on your graph?
Posted By: Not2Old2Fish

Re: How to catch deep shad - 07/26/17 08:48 PM

If your using 2D setting the shad should show instantaneously on the screen.
Just like using your graph for drop shot fishing.
Practice drop shotting and see where your jig is in relation to your target.

Next you need the correct net to catch deep shad.

A 7' radius net opens to 14' diameter,
the wider the better.
3/8 or 1/2 or 5/8" mesh will decend faster than 1/4" mesh.
1lb to 1.5lb lead per radius foot, the heavier the better for faster decend.

and like stated below tape the edges so when it opens it maintains the spread on the way down, although this might slow the rate of descent

Posted By: sasquatch

Re: How to catch deep shad - 07/27/17 02:10 AM

Add more lead and tape around the edge so your net will stay open longer.
Posted By: PKfishin

Re: How to catch deep shad - 07/27/17 02:28 PM

Justin: if you try one of these methods and it works please PM me and let me know. I have not been able to reliably catch shad at PK all year. Sure knocked a hole in my striper fishing.
Posted By: bluesea112

Re: How to catch deep shad - 07/31/17 11:57 AM

The amount of lead per foot is #1. My net has 1.5 LBS. per foot and nothing escapes; even down deep. I even catch the predators that are under the shad and have to throw them back. I catch shad all the time that I see on my downscan at 15 - 20ft. #2 of importance is the type of material used for the net. Cheap Walmart nets use stiff mono that acts like a parachute in the water to keep the net from sinking fast. Buy a professional net that has limp mono and is sewn together using seperate panels. Professional nets open up much better and are easier to throw.
I personally don't think mesh size matters. Like I said I catch everything in my net from top to bottom and my net has a 1/4" mesh.
Posted By: clk

Re: How to catch deep shad - 07/31/17 12:20 PM

Google fitec gs1500 with tape. Good net at a decent price. I use it to catch my bait in 40ft plus in the winter. In the summer I use a cheap net and catch all my bait in 4 to 10 ft.
Posted By: Bassthumb: Phill's Guide Svc

Re: How to catch deep shad - 07/31/17 02:41 PM

Bluesea, what brand net are you using.
Posted By: Not2Old2Fish

Re: How to catch deep shad - 07/31/17 10:10 PM

Good tips bluesea122, I don't particularly like 1/4 inch mesh, to many 1" fry shad and catfish, hang up in the mesh and takes some time to release.
Posted By: Cradpole

Re: How to catch deep shad - 08/01/17 05:02 PM

I've been catching gizzard shad shallow around grass that comes out in the lake
© 2024 Texas Fishing Forum