Shad

AKA: Elf, bluefish
Scientific: Pomatomiz Saltatrix
Distribution: from southern Mozambique to Namibia
Conservation status: surviving
How to catch: a whole or a sliver of sardine on a wired shad trace, sometimes drift, sometimes with a sinker, and a top bung, to keep the bait up off the ground, where the shad swim. They shoal in the mid-water just in and out of the surf zone. When they bite, they bite. And man can they bite! Watch those razor-sharp teeth as he actually tries to bite you.

They are actually quite easy to catch with bait, but man, you can have your off days too. When all your mates are getting action all around you and the shad just don’t show you any interest at all.
Throwing lures is as much fun. Shad destroy a dropshot when they are in the mood. But spinning, or spooning, is the most fun by far. Using a light braid outfit, and a tiny MYDO SS Shad Spoon, you will have more fun than anyone else with their big old traditional shad rods.
Catch to Cook
Our favourite breakfast baitfish! There isn’t much more tasty than a freshly fried shad that you just caught that very morning. Fried in butter, whole, with skin on, they cook in no time and are absolutely finger-licking good. Sprinkle with lemon. Salt and pepper to taste.
Conservation
The shad, although widespread, are vulnerable to over-fishing. They were almost gone back in the 80’s, until the then Natal Parks Board instituted blanket bans and then catch restrictions, thus saving the day. The population came back.
Nowadays it’s a free-for-all as incompetent governence has all but allowed the systematic plundering of shad. Fortunately, there are groups springing up all over and positive moves were recently made to work with compliant authorities to curb the poaching.