I've caught shad and talapia at the boat ramp and next to the boat ramp with a cast net.

Either one would be good bait if you are going to use live bait.

John

but note that under state law
TPWD site

Why do you have to remove the intestins?

The complete paragraph from TPWD is...
It is a violation to fail to immediately remove the intestines from tilapia, grass carp, or any other fish listed as harmful or potentially harmful , except on those waters where a valid Triploid Grass Carp Permit is in effect. In those waters, it is illegal to possess grass carp.

The removal of the intestines does two things...keeps them from getting heartburn and also kills them so they can't do any more harm to the environment. Sometimes I wish someone would remove my intestines.

Tilapia is a survivor! Unlike many other fish, tilapia can eat almost any kind of plant or microorganism found in water, and thrive in just about any conditions (as long as the water temperature is above 50�F (10�C).
(Source: http://www.kidsregen.org/howTo.php?section=celeb&ID=12_http://www.kidsregen.org/howTo.php?section=celeb&ID=12 )

Another note about Tilapia is that they are extraordinarily prolific, and unless harvested will quickly tax the capacity of whatever body of water they inhabit.
(Source: http://www.ibiblio.org/london/permaculture/mailarchives/allforums1/0038.html )

Lastly.....
Tilapia is highly carnivorous and its continued large-scale introduction could contribute to the extinction of less aggressive, indigenous fish
(Source: http://gurukul.ucc.american.edu/TED/TILAPIA.HTM )

Wow! What a scary yet possibly solution to world hunger of a fish!
R

I had no idea about the talapia. If its the same fish that I'm thinking of, then it tastes very similar to grouper. If I'm talking about the same thing then why wouldn't a person want to harvest them? Talapia is pretty darn tasty!

Thanks for the info. Makes sense now.
Jeff

Yea, the grass is bad right now. the tilapia need to get to work

You can also catch a butt load of bream for bait at Tradinghouse.

I've also caught some reds on shrimp and crawdads.

Tilapia look alot like bream.
I found this picture on the internet.
This is not a picture of the tilapia found at tradinghouse but it's close.

Cute harmless looking fish.

I HAVE HAD SUCCESS ON LIVE SHAD DRIFTED ABOUT 20' DEEP ON T HOUSE, HAD A 16.5 POUNDER A MONTH AGO AND SOME SMALLER SINCE. I CATCH MY SHAD ELSEWHERE DUE TO THE HYDRILLA ON THOUSE. ALSO HAVE HAD GOOD SUCCESS TROLLING RATTLE TRAPS AND STRIPER JIGS AT THE SAME DEPTH. TRIED TO FISH THIS PAST SUNDAY, THE COLD FRONT WASN'T SUPPOSED TO PASS UNTIL AFTERNOON, BUT HIT T HOUSE AROUND 8:15 . BY 11:30 WE HAD 25-30MPH WINDS WITH NO SUCCESS AT ALL. THE LAKE NEEDS SOME WATER AS DO A LOT OF CENTEX LAKES, ABOUT 3-4 FT. LOW. LOTS OF DUCKS THERE FOR THE DUCK HUNTERS THOUGH, BUT SINCE I DON'T DUCK HUNT, I CAN'T EVEN TELL YOU WHEN THE SEASON OPENS.

Yup we've seen alot of ducks coming from that way while dove hunting the last couple of days.