How to Hook Your Own Herring Shad Bait for Striped Bass

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Hooking your own herring shad is an essential skill for any striped bass fisherman. The manner in which you hook and present your bait will determine how long it lives and how likely it is to attract your query. No matter how you hook your shad, treat it gently. The healthier your shad is when it hits the water, the better it will move and the more likely it will attract prey.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Shad
Hook

Step 1

Hook a threadfin shad up through the lower and upper lip and out between the nostrils. Drive the hook through the bone plate between the nostrils. This hook is good for trolling, but can also be used for casting. This technique allows the shad to live for a fairly long time.

Step 2

Hook a gizzard shad as you would hook a threadfin, but only hook the bottom lip. This vertical liphook has the same advantages as the one for the threadfin.

Step 3

Use a horizontal nosehook for casting any species of shad. Drive the hook through one nostril and out the other. Cast the fish by lobbing it with a gentle underarm or sidearm motion.

Step 4

Hook the shad through the middle of the dorsal fin to cause it to swim upward. This is a good rigging to use when you are moored, but will wear out the fish too quickly if you are underway.

Article Written By Isaiah David

Isaiah David is a freelance writer and musician living in Portland, Ore. He has over five years experience as a professional writer and has been published on various online outlets. He holds a degree in creative writing from the University of Michigan.

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