Why shad matter to bass anglers
In many reservoirs and rivers, shad are a main food source for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass. When you understand where shad are and what they are doing, you often find the bass too. That is why so many popular lures are designed to imitate shad.
Threadfin vs gizzard shad
The two common species are threadfin shad and gizzard shad. Threadfin shad are small and sensitive to cold water, and they are typically the smaller bait. Gizzard shad grow larger and can outgrow what many bass can eat, though young gizzards are an important forage. Bass eat both, so it matters less which species you have than how big the baitfish are and where they are schooling.
Shad-imitating lures
- Crankbaits: Shad-shaped crankbaits in the one- to three-inch range suit many lakes. Match depth to where the shad are.
- Jerkbaits and soft jerkbaits: A suspending jerkbait or a soft flutter bait can imitate a wounded or fleeing shad.
- Swimbaits: Paddle-tail soft swimbaits on a jig head are easy to fish and look natural at many speeds.
- Spinnerbaits: White and silver blades and skirts are an option around shad schools. See are spinnerbaits good for bass.
- Lipless crankbaits and blade baits: Useful for covering water or fishing vertically when bass are below shad.
For comparison with other lure categories, see our guide to the best bass lures right now.
Matching size and color
Match the size of the baitfish in the water. Shad in early summer may be small; by fall they can be noticeably larger. For color, white, silver, pearl and shad-pattern baits are standard in clear water. Add chartreuse or a bit of color in stained water. If you can see shad flicking on the surface or on your electronics, use the smaller profile.
Finding shad
Shad often school in open water, along points, in creek channels and in the backs of creeks in fall. Birds, surface activity and baitfish arches on a fish finder are common clues. Wind can push shad toward banks, and bass often follow. Shad are sensitive to temperature, so they move with changes in water temperature and season.
Using live or cut shad
Many anglers use live or cut shad for bass in certain waters, but rules vary. Some states restrict the use of live baitfish, the transport of live fish, or the species allowed as bait, partly to avoid spreading invasive species or disease. Check your state or local regulations before you collect, transport or use shad as bait.
The shad spawn
In spring, shad move shallow to spawn, often near riprap, shorelines and sea walls around dawn. Bass often feed heavily there. Shad-pattern topwater baits, jerkbaits and swimbaits can be good choices around these areas. Timing depends on region and water temperature.
FAQ
Is shad good for bass fishing?
Yes, in waters where bass eat shad, shad-imitating lures and, where legal, real shad are effective.
What color can bass not see?
Bass can see a range of colors, but color perception changes with depth and clarity. Red, for example, fades quickly as light passes through water. Treat strong claims about specific colors with caution and focus on contrast and match-the-hatch.