Best method for keeping threadfin shad alive

[Fishing56]

Have a five gallon bucket with aerotor (round type). I put some ice everyone in a while along the shad keeper solution. Been with fishing guides an they keep their shad alive all night long and into the morning. Suggestions?

Fishing56

 

[RicMic]

Re: Best method for keeping threadfin shad alive

I'm not an expert on it, but shad are just looking for an excuse to die. Adding ice is good, I'd try to keep the temp around 60, but if it changes to fast, they will die. Air bubbles from the aerator will panic them and they will die, thats why some of the guides use that system that adds oxygen without the bubbler. Adding some salt to the water will help keep them calm, half a cup or so. To many shad in the well and they will ALL die. Ammonia will also build up without a water change and kill them all.

 

[dooma_Flatchy]

Re: Best method for keeping threadfin shad alive

The bigger the live well the better, Ice helps.
What I have found that works best for me is to use that biggest container I can get by with in my boat. Must use round containers, In square shaped ones the bait will wad up in one corner and kill each other. I use 3 of those battery operated aerators and ice and Bait Fresh http://www.bassmedics.com/baitfresh/index.htm.

 

[rolmops]

Re: Best method for keeping threadfin shad alive

I find that their main problem is ammonia.They plss themselves to death.The most effective way to keep them alive is 6 fish to a 5 gallon bucket, ice and very regular replacement of water and no bubbles.Keeping a lid over the fish quiets them down.They usually are starved when you buy them in a bait store.I often buy spikes (maggots) and dump a few in the bucket every few minutes.it improves their survival rate.