Date: 9/11/09
Contact: Doug Nielsen
Phone: 702-486-5127 x 3500

NDOW SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR ANGLER EDUCATION

Anglers fishing for striped bass at Lake Mead use a variety of baits from top-water lures to cut anchovies or sardines, but those who can catch them use threadfin shad. These small, silvery fish are the lake’s natural forage fish and are therefore an excellent choice for striper bait. After all, it only makes sense to use what the fish are eating.

“Using live shad goes along with the match-the-hatch philosophy of most fly fishermen. When stripers are keying in on shad why not give them want the want? But remember, live shad may only be used in Lake Mead, Lake Mohave and the Colorado River within Clark County,” said Doug Nielsen, Conservation Education Division supervisor for the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW).

The hard part about using live shad for bait is catching them in the first place. To catch these quick little fish, anglers can use a variety of legal techniques, but the most common approach is to use a cast net. With a little practice anglers can become very adept at throwing these nets. The best time to catch shad with a cast net is when they are ‘cruising the shallows.’

Cast nets are available in many sizes, but only those with a radius of three feet or less are legal in Nevada. That means it can measure no more than three feet from the horn to the lead line on the perimeter of the net. The horn on the cast net is the center ring and the lead line is the rope edge to which weights are tied. While it is illegal to use cast nets with a radius larger than three feet, it is not against the law for retailers to sell them. That means anglers need to double check the details on product packaging before making their purchase.

“A common mistake people make is purchasing nets without checking the local regulations and relying on the retailers to sell the appropriate size net. They typically purchase nets that are three and a half or four feet long. Unfortunately, that mistake can lead to a fine of more than $100,” said Karen Welden, a NDOW game warden.

Another consideration when purchasing a cast net is the size of holes in the mesh used in making the net. Anglers who want to catch bait in a variety of sizes should go with 3/8-inch or smaller mesh. When pursuing larger bait, half-inch mesh is a good choice because it allows smaller fish to swim through. It’s also a good idea to have an extra net just in case something happens to the first.

To make their new cast nets easier to throw, some experienced fishermen season their net. This can be done by spreading the entire net out, securing the edges with nails, and letting it set anywhere from a few hours to an entire day. Some anglers soak their nets in hot water and fabric softener to make the net relax and then spread it out to dry.

After the net has been thus prepared it is time to practice throwing it. This can be done somewhere close to home. All that is needed is an open area in the backyard or at a nearby park where there is plenty of room. How-to tips can be found online or from an expert at the local tackle shop. It might take a few days to develop the technique that causes the net to open completely when thrown. Patience is the key to success.

Since live shad are more productive than dead shad, it’s best to keep them in a livewell or bucket with a good aerator. As long as the shad receive consistent oxygen and shade from the sun, they should stay fresh for an entire day of fishing.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, and promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing.