I have a couple of questionS on catching shad. I watched some videos and asked lots of question on TFF about nets etc. I can consistently throw my 7 foot net and have it spread out properly so am pleased with that part. Went to the lake 2 weeks ago and found all the shad I needed in one cast in a creek in about 15 FOW that I found on the graph. This past Sunday went out again to the same spot and no shad to be found. Went up another creek, guessing not far enough and threw a dozen times and only caught 4 shad. Fished those 4 until they were gone (caught 3 striper on 4 shad) then went looking for more shad. Finally found a good spot at the back of another creek that had lots of aquatic plants growing etc and caught all the 4“- 6” Shad I needed.

Questions are:
Is it normal to have to hunt like that for shad? We didn’t start until 8:00 or so at the first spot. Was I too late in the morning? Sun didn’t come up until 7:15.

When the weather turns cold, where do the shad go? Do they stay in the backs of creeks? Move to deeper water?

Should I be able to catch them mid morning like I did on Sunday or are they better in the early morning?

Where are other good places to find shad other than backs of creeks? I have heard boat ramps but with all the boat traffic how does that work?

I mostly fish Whitney and Waco (Army Corps lakes) so no dock lights that I know of to look for shad.
Not asking for anyone’s secret shad honey holes just some direction on habits and areas to look for them. We fish lots during the winter so would like input on cold weather patterns.

Thanks for any suggestions you can give.

I'm kind of in the same boat your in and have gotten pretty successful catching shad early and again mid day if needed. I have found that reading the water early in the morning you can find them simply back in just about any back water. Just watch for the nervous water or them tailing. However the last couple of outings I have had to resort to getting out in deeper water and finding them with the graph then trying to throw on them. Last weekend it took me a couple hours to get enough for us to fish with.

I really want to know going into the colder months what technique people use to find and catch enough to have a good outing. I too fish Waco and Whitney so any input would be greatly appreciated.

First you need to differentiate between what species of shad you are catching. Threadfin will act totally different than gizzards. My experience I do better catching thread fins before daylight under lights and most of the time in 10-15 ft water most of the yr. LED lights on your boat will help. I like to find sandy beach type areas in fairly clean water. Look and listen for FLIPS. Take a spot light and scan the water. As it gets light they will move shallower. Watch the shore line and look for Herons. They are doing the same thing you are.

Gizzards look for dirty water and trash. During the summer and warm months they usually can be found in 10ft of water or less. Creeks are a good place to start. The hotter it gets the further back go. Again look and listen for flips and look for Herons.

Winter same applies but go deep 25,30 40 ft if not deeper. Get the Mepps deep hole net.

On Buchanan during the dead of winter I know of a shad hole that is shaped like a bowl and probably of 50yd circumference. Its about 35-40 deep in the center. If it is below 50 I can go in there and catch all the gizzards I want in just a couple of throws. The colder it is closer to the center I go. Only one other guy knows of this hole that I am aware of.

Last Shad are more finicky than women. Once you think you have them peg they go on and change their mind.

Really good info. Please clarify the LED lights on your boat. Are you putting out floating LED lights to attract shad or LED lights physically on the boat to help see the surface of the water?

In the winter do the deep shad holes need to be in open water or will a creek with a really deep hole work?

LED light strips that go down both sides of you boat. Usually mounted underneath your rub rail.

The deep hole nets have a mesh tape sewn in at the bottom to help keep the net open as it descends to the bottom in the deep water.

The advice given on this thread has been very helpful and we had a really good weekend catching striper with shad.

My question is this: I caught plenty of shad this weekend but had lots of 2” shad get caught up in the net and died pulling a them out. I have a 6th old salt net with 3/8 mesh. Do I need to go to a 1/4 mesh? Maybe another brand of net? Does anyone else have this problem?

it's a necessary evil. Tighter mesh will sink much slower due to increased drag. Would likely need much more lead to offset.

As the water temps drop the shad will be moving deeper relating to the river channel, a 7' radius taped net will your best best. The tape will allow the net to stay open all the the way to the bottom. Most taped nets are sold as deep water nets and come with 40-50' rope. The wider the mesh the father the drop.

Any particular brand net you recommend? 3/8” mesh or larger due to depth? Will you find the shad in deeper water at the mouth of creeks or next to the river channels?

Fitec GS1500 model # 11970 is a good one if you can find it in stock somewhere. There are some others as well. Just want tape and as much weight/radius foot you can get. 1.25lb - 1.5lb/rad food ideal. These type nets get pricey.

If I can piggyback on this thread, what diameter cast net do y’all recommend ?

14', as it's the largest you can legally throw in Texas

I will normally graph the river channel. They maybe anywhere from from the edges to right in the middle of it. But usually in the winter if you find shad you will find the stripers near by so I bypass the live bait and cast net and break out the deadstick rigs

Yes sir! Can’t wait to put the net up get out the flukes!

Those 2 inch shad that die in the net are a treasure for the live bait fishermen. Keep everyone you can and use them for chum when you fish. Free food has an amazing effect on a school of hungry fish and will make a big difference on your catch rate. Waste not; want not,