The Threadfin Shad is one of the primary baitfish that Striped Bass feed on in the Tennessee, Cumberland, and Ohio rivers in Western Kentucky. Threadfin shad in the United States are native to streams flowing into the Gulf of Mexico. Threadfin shad occur as far north as Oklahoma, Tennessee, and southern Arkansas in the Mississippi River and its tributaries Statement: I am just a fisherman, not a fisheries biologist, or scientist. The information here is what I have gathered from observations on the water, researching any and all books, magazines, and website's I could find. The information may not be 100% accurate but is only meant to give you a good understanding of this species of baitfish.
Nickames: yellow tails, shad, shad minnows.
Characteristics: Head is strongly compressed, scaleless. Mouth terminal, floor of oral cavity is spotted with black. Bottom lip protruding; upper lip with a slight indication of a notch or notch lacking. Back dark gray to bluish black; sides and abdomen silvery;distinct post opercular dark spot present; spot smaller than the eye. Fins,except the dorsal, yellowish; caudal deeper yellow than the other fins. Body is deep, strongly compressed laterally. .
Typical Size: Adult length: normally less than 9 inches
Habitat: The threadfin inhabits large lakes and rivers with moderate current, usually congregating in schools over deep water during the daylight hours, moving into shallower areas at night.
Feeding Habits: Threadfin shad are mainly limnetic particulate feeders on larger plankton and filter-feeders on smaller plankton; however, some bottom feeding does occur. Adult threadfin shad may also prey upon fish larvae. .
Fish Facts: It is sensitive to cool temperatures, and below 45 deg. F it has decreased swimming and schooling abilities. It cannot tolerate water temperatures below 35 deg F.
Bait: The Threadfin shad are used whole and live for Striped Bass. Live or dead they make great catfish bait.
