Expert Guided Shad Run on Texas Lakes

Night Bait Run: Fill Your Cooler with Fresh Shad

Trip Overview

Get ready for a unique night out on the water, Texas style! This ain't your average fishing trip - we're going after the bait that catches the big ones. Join me, a seasoned guide and licensed bait dealer, for a hands-on adventure filling your cooler with fresh shad of all sizes. Whether you're prepping for your next big fishing expedition or just want to learn the ropes of cast netting, this trip is perfect for anglers of all levels. We'll hit the prime spots under the cover of darkness when the shad are most active, giving you the best shot at a cooler full of quality live bait.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we push off from the shore, you'll feel the excitement in the air. The lake takes on a whole different character at night, and that's when the magic happens for bait fishing. I'll show you the hotspots where shad tend to school up, and we'll use specialized lights to draw them in. You'll get hands-on experience throwing a cast net - it's an art form, and I'll make sure you've got the technique down pat by the end of the night. We'll be using top-notch gear that I provide, so no need to worry about bringing your own equipment. Just remember to pack a cooler with plenty of ice to keep your catch fresh, and don't forget some snacks and drinks to keep yourself fueled up for the action.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Let me tell you, there's something special about being out on the water at night, feeling the cool breeze and seeing the stars reflect off the lake surface. But it's not just about the atmosphere - this trip is all about results. As a Texas Parks & Wildlife registered guide and bait dealer, I know these waters like the back of my hand. I'll put you on the shad, guaranteed. Plus, you're not just getting bait; you're getting an education. By the end of the night, you'll have insider knowledge on bait patterns, cast net techniques, and even the ins and outs of the bait selling business if that's something you're interested in. It's the kind of hands-on learning you can't get from watching YouTube videos.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Shad might be small, but they're the backbone of the lake's ecosystem and the key to landing trophy fish. These silver-sided swimmers come in all sizes, from tiny threadfin shad to larger gizzard shad. What makes them so special? For one, they're like candy to game fish. Bass, crappie, catfish - you name it, they all go nuts for fresh shad. These baitfish travel in schools, which means when you find them, you find them in numbers. The best part is, shad are active year-round, but nighttime in the warmer months is when they really shine. You'll be amazed at how many you can net in a single throw when you hit the right spot.

Threadfin shad, the smaller variety, typically max out at about 3-4 inches. They're perfect for targeting smaller game fish or using as cut bait. Gizzard shad can grow much larger, sometimes up to 20 inches, though we'll mostly be after the younger ones in the 6-10 inch range. These bigger shad are ideal for catfishing or as live bait for trophy-sized bass. The behavior of shad is fascinating - they move in large schools near the surface at night, making them perfect targets for our cast nets. And here's a fun fact: shad don't have teeth, so they're safe to handle. You'll get to see firsthand how they use their gills to filter-feed on plankton, which is why they're so important to the lake's food chain.

Top Catches This Season

While we're focused on catching bait rather than game fish, let me tell you about some of the monster catches our clients have landed using the shad we've caught together. Just last week, a group went out after our bait run and hooked into a 40-pound blue catfish using some of our larger gizzard shad. Another regular customer swears by our threadfin shad for crappie fishing - he filled his limit in under an hour on his last trip out. And don't get me started on the bass anglers - they've been having a field day with our fresh shad, especially around dawn using the bait we caught the night before.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, here's the deal - if you want to up your fishing game or just have a blast learning a new skill, this night bait run is where it's at. Remember, I've only got room for one guest per trip, so it's an exclusive, one-on-one experience. You'll get my full attention and all my local knowledge. Plus, you'll be walking away with a cooler full of prime bait that'll set you up for days of successful fishing. Don't forget, as a licensed bait dealer, everything we do is by the book and totally legit. So why wait? Grab your spot now, and let's fill that cooler with some silver-sided gold. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable - but trust me, once you're out there throwing nets under the stars, you won't be thinking about anything else. Book now, and I'll see you on the water!