threadfins have been relocated by conservation agencies and fishermen and are now common throughout much of the South and Mid-Atlantic . There are also established populations out west in the Colorado River system as well as in the California Delta . They don ’ t do well in cold water , and as such , are very seldom found north of Illinois .
Behavior : Threadfins are pelagic and filter-feed on both zooplankton and phytoplankton . They ’ ve also been observed feeding on detritus ( decomposing material in the bottom silty layer ). They ’ re commonly found relating to current and do fine in a wide variety of water clarities . Threadfin shad spawn at night and in low-light conditions in late May and June ( between 65- and 70-degree water temperatures ).
How to emulate : Lipless crank or jerkbait . Schools of gizzards often hang around current breaks in shallower water than their larger cousins . Winding a lipless crankbait around river bars , shell beds and around points and eddies is a great way to fool bass feeding on threadfins . A jerkbait is another great cold-water substitute . Threadfins spawn in very shallow water , sometimes right on the bank , and bass will follow them .
gizzard Shad
( Dorosoma cepedianum )
Description : Gizzard shad are the top dog of shads when it comes to bass fishing . They closely resemble the threadfin shad but can be easily identified by their large size , slightly deeper body shape and overbite , as well as the lack of yellow fins and speckles .
Size : Adult gizzard shad typically range between 9 and 11 inches , but they ’ ve been recorded up to 20 inches and 3 pounds . Range : Found in most of the major river systems of the eastern United States and all their associated reservoirs . They have also been found in the Great Lakes and their drainages .
Behavior : Like threadfin shad , gizzards are also primarily planktivores . They can tolerate a wide depth range as well as a wide range of habitats , and are more willing than threadfins to inhabit areas with low flow , including swamps and river oxbows . They also spawn from early June through July ; usually when water temperatures are around 68 degrees . Gizzards spawn during low-light conditions in and around hard surfaces close to shore , often in 5 to 10 feet of water . Hard cover like boat docks , marinas , bridge pilings and riprap are excellent places to look for gizzard shad spawning activity . Gizzard shad have sticky eggs , so sometimes you can see them stuck to ropes , docks or other cover in the water .
How to emulate : A big crankbait , swimbait or flutter spoon . Big bass love gizzard shad . Over the last 8 to 10 years , a whole tackle industry has spawned around emulating the biggest of the freshwater shads . Banging big crankbaits , slow winding swimbaits or stroking a big flutter spoon can do an excellent job of emulating a dying gizzard . Electronics are key — not only for finding areas with gizzards present but also for efficiently finding groups of fish . Try looking on points , ledges or any high spot or rocks located near an area that gizzard shad may frequent .
blueback herring
( Alosa aestivalis )
Description : Similar in many ways to gizzard and threadfin shad , the blueback herring lacks the whiplike end to its dorsal fin . Their name comes from their characteristic blue-green back , as well as their slightly more slender body shape compared to the gizzard and threadfin shad .
Size : Bluebacks are typically 5 to 8 inches long but can grow to 12 inches or more .
Range : Native to the Atlantic Ocean and its tidal estuaries , the blueback has unintentionally established a thriving population
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