Sometimes the best way to catch them is to hang a light over the side of the boat and just drift in the open water. Afternoons they will move into some coves. Shad move back into the creeks and coves but cold fronts move them out into deeper water. Best bet is to try and get bait before a front hits.

What is the best bait to catch shad?

The most common shad bait is a small jig known as a shad dart. Shad darts have a fairly light lead head, usually with a tail made of feathers, marabou or tinsel. Most of the small jigs commonly used for crappie and bluegill can also be used to catch shad.

Are threadfin shad good for bait?

Threadfin shad make for excellent catfish bait. Usually used whole because the threadfin are so thin and small to cut up as cut bait does not work so well. A single shad or a few will attract all species of catfish.