Using a Cast Net

In most freshwater bodies, especially larger lakes, shad are the preferred meal for catfish and bass.  Shad are in the minnow family, with many growing to the size of a man's palm or even bigger.  They can be bought in sealed bags at the store, or you can catch your own.

I prefer the latter.  Think about it.  Would you pick a stale t.v. dinner over barbecue fresh off the grill?  Nope.  Catfish will pick a fresh shad that was swimming a few minutes ago over the package kind every time.

So how do we catch them?  Unfortunately, you can't do it with a bait and hook.  Shad are filter feeders.  They continuously ingest water, feeding on microscopic critters and algae.

That leaves just one option -  a cast net.  These are nets that you throw into the water by hand.  As the net is thrown, it spreads out into a circle.  Then it sinks quickly to trap any fish unlucky enough to be below.  Then you pull it up by the rope that's attached to your other hand.

My first attempt was not pretty.  In fact, I'll bet it would have been comical for an onlooker.  The net landed in more of a rectangle than a square.  But guess what?

That's a gizzard shad, my friend.  It's the kind of shad that gets the attention of a big flathead catfish.  If you thread the shad onto the hook properly, it stays alive and makes a good presentation for a catfish or bass.

Another great option is to cut the shad into sections and put one on your hook.  This will get the attention of channel catfish, bullheads aka mud cats, and bass.

Apparently, in a bizarre turn of events, cut shad will also get the attention of carp!

It's not a cat, but it put up a serious fight and was therefore a LOT of fun to catch. At one point, my pole was bent into a "U" shape!

Now - a couple of housekeeping items.  Cast nets are NOT legal in every state.  In  states that allow them, there are stipulations.  

In my great state of Texas, the net has to be below a certain radius.  There are certain smaller lakes where the nets can't be used.  Perhaps most importantly, only non-game fish can be taken by cast net.

Here in Texas, especially West Texas, our water is very muddy and stained.  You can't see more than an inch or so down. When you draw that cast net up, it's entirely possible that you might have game fish in it along with shad.

So, the first order of business is to  free those fish and return them to the lake unharmed.  Then you can turn your attention to the shad.  Always check your rules and regs!  

Remember, you have to use fish to catch bigger fish.  Tight lines!