does anyone have any tips on catching live bait on the brazos by highway 16?

i have a difficult time netting bait in that area

if you figure it out, you will be in business.

Since those who could really answer this question have declined although I am not an expert I will write a few random thoughts here.
I assuming you are fishing for some kind of bass. Everybody knows if you are seeking trophy size fish the bigger the bait the better.
I have had no luck with carp as bait, cut or live.
Perch and Shinners will work for LMB pretty much all year and Stripers in cooler weather. But perch and Shiners won't work for Stripers in the summer (like already), and smaller baits seam to be better in warmer weather.
The superior bait for all Bass all year would have to be Shad (but you knew that I bet). Cut Shad works best in summer for Stripers. Doesn't require big pieces but they do need to be fairly fresh (and bloody). Shad does not freeze well at all, and store package Shad is pretty much worthless.
Live Shad are real easy to kill. To keep Shad for more than a few minutes you are going to need something better than a Frabill minnow bucket. The professional that fishes this area has large recirculating tanks in his kayak. I think his smaller tank is 25 gallons. Another individual that fishes this area has a recirculating bait tank that must be at least 40 gallons. My home made flow through Shad bucket (Frabill like) is 5 gallons but it is hard to drag around so I am currently working on a bait tank. Lots of good bait tank ideas here:

http://www.martialartsacademy.org/quietman's%20bait%20tank.htm

(sorry can't get it to link, you'll have to cut and paste)

To catch bait (and Shad especially) dependably you are going to need a fast sinking net, at least 1 lb per radius foot. Heavier is better. I have caught Shad (even big ones) in my WalMart and Academy store nets occasionally but my Memphis Net and Twine net is better.

http://www.memphisnet.net/product/3624/nets_cast_mono_mullet

There is Tim Wade in Florida that makes even better nets but they cost close to 100 bucks, and if you have an unlimited budget there are even better (Dimenia) nets that cost a lot more.

The net should be at least 5 ft radius, 6 ft is better and 7ft (14 diameter) is the largest legal size in Texas.
Here is a discussion on Cast nets that might be relavant.

http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum...florida#p956233
(sorry can't get it to link either, you'll have to cut and paste)

Only rarely have I caught bait on my first cast. Usually I have to throw the net several times before I get anything. Sometimes I have to throw the net a lot, and some day it seems I couldn't buy a bait, much less a Shad.
I have caught bait wading with my cast net, but I working on being able to cast the net from the kayak. I haven't got a full circle yet but I have had some success.

that is a great piece of info

Thanks a lot Realbig. I have been trying to acquire additional info about it, and it seems as if it is an art I will need to master, with practice being the primary teacher. I know the last time I was in the area I had no luck catching shad, just sunfish and carp. I am trying to refine my technique for my upcoming trip. I usually prefer artificials to live bait, but after reading the countless reports of monster fish being caught on live bait I have to consider it.

If by some reason I happen to net some shad, is there a rig that works well? I have read about balloon and trolling live bait, but I do not know the best way to perfect these.
Any help would be appreciated.

I use balloon drifts, balloon trolling, bump trolling, slow trolling, freelining and still fishing, depends on the situation.
For that matter lures will work real well sometimes. I have caught good fish on a modified Bomber 16J XRT, Tuna Popper and other lures.
Although I have never had a Striper jump they will hit the surface and you will see huge swirl and they nearly always pull drag. One good fish will make the day spectacular. Screaming drag cures seasickness and all kinds of stuff.