I get several messages on how to keep shad alive throughout the year. Seems lot of people struggle with this. Being an Avid striper fisherman and sometimes guide I have learned a few secrets. So here are a few things you need to do.
First you need to understand that you are dealing with shad and they are born looking to die. Gizzard shad are by far the easiest to keep alive but they are messy. Threadfins or Yellow Tails are the hardest to keep and but they are the cleanest.
The Bait tank is by far the most important part of keeping them alive. And the key to a good bait tank is that they are round and they must have a good filtration ad aeration system. The water needs to move in a circular motion. Be careful on not moving the water to fast because that will just wear the bait out. On smaller tanks 40 gallon or less 500GPH. 40 or Larger I prefer 800GPH Pumps. I run a 800GPH in my 50 gallon Creek Bank Bait tank. As far as tanks go Creek Bank are awesome if you can find one. Greyline makes a good tank as well. My only beef with them is all the plumbing is inside the tank with the bait. As far as home made tank I haven't seen any that work as good as a pre-made tank, especially when it comes to filter systems.
Second most important thing and probably the one thing that people neglect is conditioning the water. If you throw bait in the tank without conditioning the water you will have dead bait before long. First thing is add water softener salt to the tank. I use two big handfuls fulls. Adding salt reduces stress and harden scales. Make sure the salt is non inonized and doesn't have any other enhancing chemicals. I also use Tetra AquaSafe water Conditioner. This will remove chlorine and other chemicals. If you get foam on the surface you need foam off. You can buy "bait tank" foam off or you can go to walmart and get the foam off in the pool department for a fraction of the cost. Another thing you can do is use a bait bucket when catching your bait. I keep a 20 gallon bucket in the boat to empty my net in before I transport to the bait tank. This is basically a rinse of the shad. Its easier to keep water clean if you start with clean bait. Using a catch bucket also allows you to cull the little and weak baits. Last but not least change you filter often.
During the summer or anytime running pure oxygen will enhance your bait. It is like Cocaine for shad. It also cools the water. All you need is a small oxygen bottle. Regulator and a diffuser stone/rock. Get the little portable bottle at your welding shop. Everything else on Amazon.
Couple of other things to keep in mind. Sunscreen WILL KILL SHAD DEAD AND VERY QUICK. I am paranoid about not having sunscreen on my hands. If you apply sunscreen Wash your hands with non-detergent soap and be cautious of rubbing you forehead etc. Use the net to catch the bait and avoid sticking your hands/arms into the tank.
Don't over load you tank. Good rule of thumb in the Summer is 1:1 ratio. 1 Bait per gallon of water. If I know I am on some active fish and will be burning through baits I may go 2:1. During the winter you can go 3:1 on Medium Sized baits 4-5". I usually stay between 75-100 baits.
Also during the summer months if fishing all day after a few hours, say noonish, drain half the water and add fresh water and re-condition your tank.
One Final thought watch your bait. If your bait has the red nose or if they are on top gulping for air you water is out of balanced. Either you need to add fresh water and recondition water, change filter or your pump/aeration is not working properly. Happy baits will hold tight at or near the bottom.
Remember there is a big difference between bait that is alive and bait that is lively. If you have any questions post them up and I will try to answer. Hope this helps and Tight Lines!!!!
First you need to understand that you are dealing with shad and they are born looking to die. Gizzard shad are by far the easiest to keep alive but they are messy. Threadfins or Yellow Tails are the hardest to keep and but they are the cleanest.
The Bait tank is by far the most important part of keeping them alive. And the key to a good bait tank is that they are round and they must have a good filtration ad aeration system. The water needs to move in a circular motion. Be careful on not moving the water to fast because that will just wear the bait out. On smaller tanks 40 gallon or less 500GPH. 40 or Larger I prefer 800GPH Pumps. I run a 800GPH in my 50 gallon Creek Bank Bait tank. As far as tanks go Creek Bank are awesome if you can find one. Greyline makes a good tank as well. My only beef with them is all the plumbing is inside the tank with the bait. As far as home made tank I haven't seen any that work as good as a pre-made tank, especially when it comes to filter systems.
Second most important thing and probably the one thing that people neglect is conditioning the water. If you throw bait in the tank without conditioning the water you will have dead bait before long. First thing is add water softener salt to the tank. I use two big handfuls fulls. Adding salt reduces stress and harden scales. Make sure the salt is non inonized and doesn't have any other enhancing chemicals. I also use Tetra AquaSafe water Conditioner. This will remove chlorine and other chemicals. If you get foam on the surface you need foam off. You can buy "bait tank" foam off or you can go to walmart and get the foam off in the pool department for a fraction of the cost. Another thing you can do is use a bait bucket when catching your bait. I keep a 20 gallon bucket in the boat to empty my net in before I transport to the bait tank. This is basically a rinse of the shad. Its easier to keep water clean if you start with clean bait. Using a catch bucket also allows you to cull the little and weak baits. Last but not least change you filter often.
During the summer or anytime running pure oxygen will enhance your bait. It is like Cocaine for shad. It also cools the water. All you need is a small oxygen bottle. Regulator and a diffuser stone/rock. Get the little portable bottle at your welding shop. Everything else on Amazon.
Couple of other things to keep in mind. Sunscreen WILL KILL SHAD DEAD AND VERY QUICK. I am paranoid about not having sunscreen on my hands. If you apply sunscreen Wash your hands with non-detergent soap and be cautious of rubbing you forehead etc. Use the net to catch the bait and avoid sticking your hands/arms into the tank.
Don't over load you tank. Good rule of thumb in the Summer is 1:1 ratio. 1 Bait per gallon of water. If I know I am on some active fish and will be burning through baits I may go 2:1. During the winter you can go 3:1 on Medium Sized baits 4-5". I usually stay between 75-100 baits.
Also during the summer months if fishing all day after a few hours, say noonish, drain half the water and add fresh water and re-condition your tank.
One Final thought watch your bait. If your bait has the red nose or if they are on top gulping for air you water is out of balanced. Either you need to add fresh water and recondition water, change filter or your pump/aeration is not working properly. Happy baits will hold tight at or near the bottom.
Remember there is a big difference between bait that is alive and bait that is lively. If you have any questions post them up and I will try to answer. Hope this helps and Tight Lines!!!!
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