Re: How to catch bait
things shad are attracted to:
1. cool water with plenty of oxygen.
2. absence of predators, such as seagulls, bass, and fishermen with nets.
3. other shad.
That's all I can think of but I'm no expert, there might be others.......
In the reservoirs in this part of the country, on an ordinary day it has to be early to find 'em shallow especially in the summer when surface temps can easily top 90? - and strangely they seem to congregate on boat ramps before dawn. also, in marina's close to slips, and in feeder creeks.
Or, look for the greatest concentration of natural shad predators (such as herons, seagulls, pelicans or striped bass fishing guides) in your area.
Early mornings a lot of times you can find 'em by the way they hit the surface occasionally, not sure why they do that though.
good luck...................................
