Went out in some of the creeks to find bait for some beach shark fishing. Couldnt find mullet… crazy. But we bagged a few large shad. Anyone had any experience cutting up shad for shark bait / bottom fishing? Thanks
We tried some old frozen shad a few years ago…it was too soft and didn’t stay on the hook very well. Sharks do love whiting which are easy enough to catch using shrimp.
______________________________________________________ "I am constantly amazed at the stupidity of the general public." ~my dad
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Some of the charter guys that fish big reds love a big chunk of American shad filet as bait. I’ve caught sharks on American shad, it’s bloody as hell. Idk if your talking other types of shad. But shad doesn’t freeze well and is hard to freeze it so it holds its quality.
In short, shad can certainly catch sharks and I’ve actually seen a surprising number of cobia fall victim to a chunk of shad. However, as stated before, it can get a little soft. Here’s a great primer on salting baits fresh for later use. https://www.pierandsurf.com/threads/salting-baits-101.54459/
I use this on shrimp, mullet, and even squid, especially when going on a surf expedition to the Outer Banks. I have no doubt that it would be very effective on shad as well. Key is layering your baits and salt and pouring off the excess moisture that is drawn out. I’ve kept fresh caught and salted shrimp for over a year and would vouch that it fishes as well as fresh shrimp (but no substitute for live).
best shark bait there is in my opinion .