Gizzard shad is a favorite baitfish among anglers, targeting big predators like catfish, striped bass, and largemouth bass. While they are typically caught using cast nets, many anglers prefer using a rod and reel for a more selective and sport-like approach. However, since gizzard shad are filter feeders and rarely bite traditional baits, catching them on a rod requires the right techniques. In this guide, we’ll explore the best methods, tackle, and strategies to help you successfully catch gizzard shad.
Understanding Gizzard Shad Behavior
To successfully catch gizzard shad on a rod and reel, it’s crucial to understand their natural habits and feeding behavior. Unlike predatory fish that chase down prey, gizzard shad are filter feeders, primarily consuming microscopic plankton, algae, and organic matter. This makes them much harder to catch using traditional fishing techniques.
Key Behavioral Traits:
- Schooling Fish: Gizzard shad travels in large schools, often near the surface or in mid-water columns. Finding one usually means there are many more nearby.
- Plankton Feeders: Because they filter-feed rather than aggressively striking prey, they don’t respond to traditional lures or live bait as other fish do.
- Temperature Preferences: They thrive in warmer waters (above 50°F), making them more active in late spring, summer, and early fall. In colder months, they migrate to deeper, warmer waters.
- Light Sensitivity: Gizzard shad are often drawn to artificial lights at night, which attract plankton and other microscopic food sources.
- Preferred Habitat: They are commonly found in shallow coves, near weed beds, around boat docks, and in areas with slow-moving or still water, such as reservoirs, lakes, and river backwaters.
Key Takeaway: Understanding gizzard shad behavior helps anglers locate them more easily and choose the right techniques to target them. Since they don’t bite aggressively, using small hooks, tiny bait, and finesse techniques is essential to catching them on a rod and reel.
Best Locations to Catch Gizzard Shad
For gizzard shad to be caught with a rod and reel, the ideal fishing location is essential. These fish prefer warm, slow-moving waters with high plankton concentrations.
Top Locations:
- Shallow Coves with Vegetation
- Rich in plankton, a primary food source for shad
- Best in spring and summer, especially early morning and late evening
- Look for submerged grass, algae, and lily pads
- Dams and Spillways
- Strong currents concentrate food, attracting large schools of shad
- Oxygen-rich water makes these spots productive year-round
- Fish near current edges where the water slows down
- Boat Docks and Marinas
- Artificial lights at night attract plankton, drawing in shad
- Many docks have fish feeders, increasing shad activity
- Shad often schools around pilings and submerged structures
- Power Plant Warm-Water Discharges
- Warm water keeps Shad active during colder months
- Consistent temperatures make these spots reliable year-round
- Predator fish also gather here, making it great for both bait and game fishing
- Backwater Areas & Slow-Moving Rivers
- Calm water with decaying organic matter supports plankton growth
- Oxbow lakes, river bends, and sloughs are prime spots
- Shad are often seen flipping near the surface on sunny days
Key Takeaway: Look for warm, plankton-rich waters with minimal current. Target marinas, coves, spillways, and backwater areas where shad gather in large schools. Fishing early or near light sources at night can improve success.
Choosing the Right Tackle and Bait
Since gizzard shad has small, delicate mouths, light tackle is the best choice. Here’s what you’ll need:
Rod & Reel:
- Ultralight spinning rod (5-7 feet)
- Spinning reel with a smooth drag system
- 2-6 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon line
Hooks:
- Size 10-14 fine-wire hooks
- Small treble hooks for dough balls
Baits That Work:
Since shad don’t go for traditional lures, try:
- Dough balls – Made from bread, flour, and anise oil.
- Waxworms and mealworms – Small and easy for shad to grab.
- Micro jigs – Tiny feathered jigs tipped with a small bait piece.
- Small flies – Imitating plankton, these can work well when fly fishing.
Experiment with different baits to see what works best in your fishing spot.
Effective Techniques for Catching Gizzard Shad
Gizzard shad have soft mouths and filter-feed on microscopic plankton, making them challenging to catch on a rod and reel. Using the right tackle and bait is crucial for improving your chances.
Best Tackle for Catching Gizzard Shad
- Rod & Reel:
- Ultralight spinning rod (5-7 feet) for sensitivity and control
- To keep their fragile mouths from being torn, use a spinning reel with a smooth drag system.
- 2-6 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon line for a natural presentation
- Hooks:
- Small fine-wire hooks (Size 10-14) to prevent shad from spitting them out
- Tiny treble hooks for dough balls or bread baits
- Sabiki rigs with small flies can be effective in areas with high-shad populations
- Floats & Weights:
- Small bobbers to suspend bait near the surface where shad feed
- Light split shot weights to help sink micro jigs or baited hooks naturally
Best Baits for Gizzard Shad
Since gizzard shad does not actively chase lures or strike traditional baits, anglers must use small, natural, or scented offerings that mimic their natural food sources.
- Dough Balls
- Mix flour, cornmeal, and anise oil to create a sticky, scent-rich dough
- Roll into pea-sized balls and let them dry slightly before use
- Best fished under a small float
- Waxworms & Mealworms
- Small, easy-to-eat baits that appeal to shad’s filter-feeding habits
- Use tiny hooks or micro jigs for the best results
- Micro Jigs & Flies
- 1/64 to 1/80 oz feathered jigs in white, chartreuse, or pink
- Small wet flies (midge or scud patterns) mimic plankton
- Best fished with slow, subtle movements
- Bread or Crackers
- Press small pieces onto a tiny hook
- Chum the water first to attract a school of shad
- Chumming Materials
- Oatmeal, cornmeal, or crushed crackers can attract shade to your fishing area.
- Sprinkle small amounts to avoid overfeeding them.
Key Takeaway: Use ultralight gear, small hooks, and natural baits like dough balls or tiny worms. Micro jigs and flies work best when shad are schooling. Chumming can help draw shad closer and keep them feeding.
Best Times and Conditions for Success
Since gizzard shad are filter feeders, traditional fishing methods don’t always work. For better success, use finesse techniques with small baits and light tackle.
Micro Jigging
- Use 1/64 to 1/80 oz feathered jigs in white, pink, or chartreuse
- Let the jig sink slowly, then twitch it gently
- Add a small split shot if fishing deeper waters
- Best in early morning, late evening, or near lighted docks at night
Fly Fishing with Small Flies
- Use small wet flies, nymphs, or scuds that mimic plankton
- Slow, steady retrieves work best
- Try dead drifting in moving water
- Best near docks, spillways, and artificial lights at night
Bobber Fishing with Dough Balls
- Use tiny fine-wire hooks (Size 10-14)
- Attach a small bobber to suspend bait near the surface
- Cast near schooling shad and watch for bobber movement
- Best in calm waters with visible shad activity
Chumming to Attract Shad
- Use crushed crackers, oatmeal, or bread crumbs
- Sprinkle small amounts to attract shad without overfeeding them
- Helps keep schools near your fishing spot
Key Takeaway: Use tiny jigs, flies, or dough balls with light tackle. Chumming can bring shade closer, and fishing near docks, spillways, and warm water outflows increases success.
Conclusion
With the right techniques, tackle, and bait, gizzard shad can be caught on a rod and reel, but it may take some time. Whether you’re using micro jigs, fly fishing, or a simple bobber rig, understanding their feeding behavior and habitat will help you be more successful. Once you master these methods, you’ll have a steady supply of fresh bait for your next big fishing trip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you catch gizzard shad with artificial lures?
Shad rarely bite traditional lures, but small micro jigs and flies that mimic plankton can work.
What’s the best bait for gizzard shad?
Dough balls, small worms, and micro jigs tipped with bait are among the most effective choices.
What is the best time of year to catch gizzard shad?
Spring and early summer are the best times, as shad gather in shallow waters during spawning.
Why are gizzard shad hard to catch with a hook?
They mostly eat minute plankton instead of eating conventional baits because they are filter feeders.
Can you keep gizzard shad alive for bait?
Yes, but they are sensitive and require aerated water with good circulation to stay alive for extended periods.
Additional Resources
For more in-depth information on catching baitfish and fishing techniques, check out these resources: