Gill Netting Shad On The James River

This is how I do it.....Cold weather Shad netting for Monster Catfish bait...My son and I last December on the James River catching bait for monster catfish...

[@Juanelo1946]

Mike, that's what I need, a big gill net! I think that's the best way to get enough fish for dinner! LOL! You guys did great! It was both informative and fun seeing what you could catch! I really enjoyed it my friend! Thanks for taking us along!

[@mikecha1957]

Thank you so much for the kinds words John...It's the only way to catch bait for me LOL

[@kelvinmurphy2118]

@@mikecha1957 do you no what size mesh to use to get salmon whit

[@jerryrouth6115]

I have never seen this done before. Gill Netting is illegal in Missouri. We have to search for large schools of shad and use throw nets to catch our winter time bait. My nephew is a catfish guide and he throws relative large nets and lets them drop 30 or 40 feet down to catch his bait. Very interesting, I enjoyed seeing you catch bait. Thanks for letting me watch.

[@mikecha1957]

Well thank you for watching Jerry..Gill nets are only legal in tidal rivers with a special licence..I make sure to release all game fish caught in it in good shape...

[@marshallhurt8814]

Great video as always!

[@mikecha1957]

Thanks for watching and commenting Marshall..I appreciate your support..

[@thecatdaddyexperience1222]

Nice vid bro. Love your music. I need to get mine set like that.

[@mikecha1957]

Thanks brother...Make sure you use KZbin music so they don't slap your hand..LOL

[@ftkiefel]

That's pretty cool. I have never seen that process before.

[@mikecha1957]

Yes sir, I suck at throwing a cast net so I was very happy to get a gill net..Thanks for watching and commenting Francis...

[@dnacash]

Cool video Mike! Gill netting put the bait in the boat!

[@mikecha1957]

Oh yeah, this is the only way to go...

[@Intuitivelogicalintrovert]

Love fishing with gill net too. It can be reused for many times. I would let it soak in washing powder & clean it. It's great because we can laid them out & do something else. An essential gear.

[@mikecha1957]

Oh yeah I've had this gill net for at least 4 years now. I would be lost without it. Thank you very much for watching and commenting

[@barese420]

Awesome video my friend a big thumbs up👍👍👍💞

[@mikecha1957]

Thank you my friend. I appreciate the thumbs up..

[@countrygirlfishing]

Good video.... I have to perfect my net throwing skills

[@mikecha1957]

Thank you Miss Tiffany. I'm not very good with a throw net. I own 2 but I'm glad that I can use my gill net in the waters I fish. My advise is to watch KZbin videos of throw netting and practice in the yard...A bunch..LOL Good luck with that Miss Tiffany...But as you know...The right bait is the key to big cats...

[@YankeesOutdoorAdventures]

Looked a little chilly out on the water today😁 it's good for the circulation👍 keep up the great work brother. Also I'm running out of meet and greet videos and it would be awesome if you became part of the show😁

[@mikecha1957]

This was from last December...But we will be out there this winter too...I will let you know Yankee..If I get a few extra minutes I might can put something together...Thanks

[@ELITETEAMOKC]

Big Mike!Never seen a gillnet in action you are loaded up on shad for a minute!We need to come get a few bags!

[@mikecha1957]

Come on and get em while they're fresh....

[@jasont7887]

Hopefully I can get some videos up soon, and thanks for subscribing

[@mikecha1957]

Awesome Jason...I will be looking out for them...

[@fishingwithvance]

Wow. Ton of work but I bet it's worth it. Good video sir. Fishes on!

[@mikecha1957]

It does look like a ton of work but it is easier than throwing a big heavy cast net..My cast net is 8' 1 pound of lead per foot which makes it around 16lbs..Thanks for watching..

[@fishingwithvance]

Fishing with Mike Chavez shows what I know.. Good video.

[@thomaskennedy9669]

Nice video! I cant believe you caught those gar on a piece of rope!

[@EatnLunch]

I would end up in that net and throwing myself overboard. Wish I had a good way to catch some shad here on this lake. I do a lot of fishing with a baby pole (Disney Princess) on my shoreline catching little green sunfish for live bait. No doubt though, I remember fishing on the Mississippi River growing up, and if we got our hands on some shad, we were catching some catfish.

[@mikecha1957]

Oh yeah, you have to have those shad..I'm lucky that Virginia allows gill nets up to 300 ft for recreational fisherman..But only in tidal rivers up to a designated point.."The fall line" It makes it much easier than having to find them with a cast net and I'm not very good throwing one...Thanks for watcing..

[@LunaticDad]

Dewey sent me I subbed ya and turned on my notification

[@mikecha1957]

Awesome, thank you my friend I appreciate you stopping by and subscribing..There will be some catfish action coming your way soon...

[@FishingChanneltv]

nice vid now good luck with the big cats

[@mikecha1957]

Thank you my friend...I will be bass fishing with Dewey Cash tomorrow but will be back after the big cats after that...Thanks for watching

[@paulwebster4939]

Hi Mike , I use to fish from james river in Richmond Va at Dutch Gap for catfish and largemouth bass , where are you on the river ?

[@suburbanbackwoodsentertain4060]

I love using shad, great for some monster flatheads. This fall I will catch my fish I missed last year, easy 30lbr it will happen lol. nicknamed Golliath (catfish hunter was already taken)

[@mikecha1957]

Awesome I will be looking forward to seeing you catch Golliath...Yes indeed shad are my #1 go to bait for big cats...

[@aaronnelson1099]

Fetching the feast for the beasts!

[@mikecha1957]

Yes indeed my friend, you can't catch the gizzards on hook and line and my cast net technique kind of ??? Well...What's the word I'm looking for???? ............Oh yeah.....Sucks....LOL Thanks for watching my brother..

[@seamurda100]

Them are some big shad.

[@mikecha1957]

Yes sir, the James river system had big shad for sure...We cut them in large chunks going after trophy catfish...Please come and visit often and let's see what we can catch...

[@HOOKEMINTHEMOUTHKAYAKFISHING]

Did they turn into some catfish!!!???? Cool 😎 video I never gill netted for fish . I was cool to see how! Thanks 🙏 for sharing Mike!

[@mikecha1957]

Oh yeah, they turned into some catfish for sure...Thanks for watching brother...

[@flyingfisherman9076]

Mike, I'm still new to your channel and I have been catching up on the back videos over the last few weeks and learning a bunch. Down here in VA Beach on the ICW, Back Bay, and Northwest River I use a rod and reel to catch bluegills, white/yellow perch, bull heads or whatever is local, native and not considered a "Gamefish" for bait. Before I come up North I'd like to get up to speed on the net regulations for catching shad. I have the 2019 VA Freshwater Regulations Summary in front of me now and it is my understanding that Hickory Shad are the only shad that can be caught in the coastal rivers of the Chesapeake Bay with creel and length limits set by VMRC. In the ICW and Northwest River the stated limit is 10 with no length limit, again, only Hickory Shad. That seems clear. On using Bluegills as bait - they are the only "game fish" that can be used as cut bait, but they can't be caught in a net, only rod and reel. That seems clear. Here is the one that I don't understand - on page 18 under Legal Methods for Capturing Nongame Bait (as in Hickory Shad, I assume), it says, "Seine net exceeding 4 foot depth by 10 feet in length." It appears common to use nets much longer than that. What are they talking about?You have to be a lawyer to understand the VA regulations (maybe I need to talk to Luke at Catfish and Carp). There seems to be so many inconsistencies. Where can I got to get the straight poop on netting hickory shad with a cast and gill net? I read here, or in an other video post, that a saltwater license is required. Does one license cover both types of nets? What are the net labeling requirements? Are these covered in the Saltwater Regulations Summary?

[@mikecha1957]

Wow John that is a bunch of mumbo jumbo. This is what I know. The shad that I catch up on the Chick and James are mainly gizzard shad which are legal to keep. I don't know of any limit on those but I usually just keep enough for a days fishing. Up to 10 or so. I usually don't catch any hickory shad that I know of. As far as I know gizzard and threadfin shad are the main shad allowed to keep for bait. Threadfin shad are usually very small in comparison to the gizzards. The gizzard shad I catch in my net are up to a pound or so around 12 inches long or more..I hope this helps you some.

[@flyingfisherman9076]

It helps, but this damn book doesn't even address gizzard shad that I hear everyone talks about. They only talk about American Shad (Illegal to possess), Blueback Herring and Alewifes (Illegal to possess), and Hickory Shad (limited possession based on current regulations). I guess other shad are fair game. I'm sure I'm making a mountain out of a molehill, but I want to make sure I do it right.I did find some Saltwater Regulations and saw that a seine and a gill net or two different things and we can use gill nets up to 300 feet - anchored only 110 feet with a required license. The regulations go on forever. I'll be reading tonight. Thanks. Sorry to be a pain in the a$$

[@mikecha1957]

Also on the James river above Jamestown fresh water licence required. Below Jamestown saltwater licence is required.

[@flyingfisherman9076]

Thanks

[@jasont7887]

Hi mike, I enjoyed watching this video. I’ve been fishing the lower James for over 30 years and catching huge cats quite often, however I always use a throw net to catch shad. It works but takes a long time. I’ve been researching gill nets as a better option. I was wondering if you could tell me where you purchased your gill net? I can’t really seem to find a whole lot of info. Any help would be appreciated, thank you

[@mikecha1957]

Hey Jason, thank you for watching my video..I'm glad you enjoyed it...I got my net from OS nets..Unfortunately he is no longer in business..I believe that Dance's Sporting Goods in Colonial Heights, Va might sell them call them and see what they say...[phone]..Please let me know what you find out...

[@nathandowdy4024]

Fishing with Mike Chavez Memphis net sells gill nets

[@vabearhunter401]

Hey Mike .. what size net do you use to catch shad? I tried looking in the regulations but I couldn't seem to find any limitations on the gill net size

[@mikecha1957]

My licence says up to 300' The one I use is 100' A lot of folks I know use 50' nets. Also gill nets are only allowed in tidal waters below the fall line..On the James river that would be up in Richmond and on the Chickahominy it's at Walkers dam..

[@Booger500us]

Not to shabby eh Mike

[@mikecha1957]

No ma'am..Not too shabby at all...

[@JustinsFishinFetish]

That's a cool way to get bait. I'd be tangled up in the net. Wonder if I can use a gill net in Ohio.

[@mikecha1957]

Heck yeah Justin it takes some practice but it's the best way to do it on the James. Thanks for stopping by brother. Check your laws

[@RealisticFishing]

Now that's a process!

[@mikecha1957]

Yes it is, an effective process for sure...Thanks for watching Alex...

[@PopPopJoe]

Mike, Great video!! We wanted to come down and fish for Blue cats. Wanted to know what the law is on Gill Nets in the James around the Hopewell area?? Wanted to get a Gill Net but not sure on what size to get for Gizzard Shad. You have any suggestions ?? Thanks PopPop

[@mikecha1957]

Gil nets are legal up to Richmond. I think 2" mesh. My net is 100'. But you will need a recreational gill net license. Good luck and tight lines.

[@PopPopJoe]

@@mikecha1957 I just called Va Fisheries Managment and they said 2 3/4" This sounds way to big. Why I ask is I was looking for rec gill net permit. Plus I don't have a net yet and didn't want to buy the wrong size gill net. I just want them for Gizzard shad.

[@jasont7887]

Hi mike GILL NET UPDATE: Just wanted to say thanks for the dances sporting goods recommendation for the gill net, they were the last place I thought would stock them, but I took a ride over there today and they had them from 50’-200’. I went ahead and bought the 75’. 75’ net = $155 2) boat bumpers = $30 Gill net license= $9 Waiting for the bait= priceless, haha I think it will be well worth the investment. I’m good with a cast net but when Shad runs thin it takes a long time to get bait. I’m headed to jorden pointe this weekend to hit a few of my favorite spots and I’m pretty anxious to see how this net will do? By the way, does your net have led weights on the bottom line to help it sink? Because this one doesn’t, I’m not sure if it’s a big deal when it comes to sinking down or not? Anyway thanks again, good luck out on the water and maybe I’ll run into you one day? I’m always out there

[@mikecha1957]

That is great Jason. I had heard that they carried them I'm glad it worked out for you...As far as weights, the lower main line of the net should be lead core..So there are actually no "weights" attached but that rope is heavier than the top rope so it sinks and the top rope with the floats stay up..Be careful where you use it you don't want it to get hung up and damaged..If you don't already have one get you a telescopic boat hook it makes it much easier to handle the net in the water and helps if it does get hung up on something...

[@mikecha1957]

Also the best time to use the net is at slack tide and in the creeks...Down toward Jordan point Herring creek has been good to me in the past...I will be on the river Saturday. I will be coming up from the Chickahominy river...Probably fish just my side of the power lines to start with..High tide is 10am...Good luck and tight lines...Keep in touch

[@jasont7887]

Hey mike, I agree I’ve always had good luck at herring creek also. I’ve caught some really nice bass in there. I sit right at the mouth of it when the tides going out, mainly the last 2 hours when everything is trying to get out. I’m gonna try Powell creek first just to test it out and I’ll make my way down to herring creek. I always put in at Jordan point cause I’m coming from chesterfield. Anyway I’ll let you know how it does. Good idea on the telescoping pole. I’ll pick one up before I go, good luck Saturday

[@mikecha1957]

Yeah, I come from the Chickahominy because i'm coming from Hampton, you are in a Bass Tracker too yes? Maybe we will see each other out there...Good luck to you too

[@jasont7887]

Yes I do have a bass tracker 19.5’ pro team 190tx black in color. I have a few videos about some boat deck lighting I did and some stuff about my depthfinders I just installed. I have a lot more videos, I just haven’t had time to post them yet. I also have some of some fishing trips catching bass and catfish but I still need to do some editing, hopefully soon

[@dannyolson5603]

Where do you order your floats for your gilnet if you don't mind me asking? I'm trying to find some But I don't know which website to trust

[@mikecha1957]

I really don't know. I bought this net assembled. I guess you could do a Google search. Sorry I couldn't help

[@dannyolson5603]

@@mikecha1957 That's OK it doesn't really seem to be very super popular where I'm at But it is legal and and there is there is no limit on rough fish up here We don't get to fish as often as we used to too but we like to eat fish often and I hate is it buying fish from a grocery store

[@mikecha1957]

@@dannyolson5603 Good luck with your search Danny and thanks for visiting my channel

[@richie2dicks468]

Regulations say shad are not allowed to posses they are considered river herring am I missing something? I don’t fresh water fish much but live near the James amd catch them while practicing my cast net throw

[@mikecha1957]

You are correct. No river herring or American shad are allowed to be possessed. However you may keep and use gizzard shad .Thanks for watching.

[@WaynJul]

That is one way to get a lot of bait. Just can't do it in Texas.

[@mikecha1957]

Man, I would be lost without my gill net for bait...I suck with a cast net..LOL Thanks for watching and commenting Wayn...

[@WaynJul]

We have to adapt to what we have.

[@catfishmac2817]

Really appreciate your videos Where is a good location to place a gill net November thru February i fish on the va side on the Potomac

[@mikecha1957]

Hey Bruce thanks for asking. I like to put my net out in creek bends with nearby deep water. I cruse around and try to find them with my electronics. Sometimes I have to put the net out a few times to get enough but sometimes you hit the jackpot with 1 pull. Thanks for watching.

[@timothymcvay7286]

Do you think 2 anchors on EA end will work better

[@mikecha1957]

The only way to use a gill net anchored is if you had plenty of current..It would have to be flowing pretty good. I don't know how effective the net would be in that situation..

[@richieapalmer]

where did you buy ur net from mike? im looking for one 50 foot long to gill net in va

[@mikecha1957]

My net came from OS nets. Unfortunately Oran is not in business at this time. the only place I know of is in the Richmond area. Dance's Sporting Goods 570 Southpark Blvd, Colonial Heights, VA 23834 Phone number [phone]

[@mikecha1957]

Hope this helps you buddy..

[@elcano56]

What mesh size an How many layers has this Gill net?

[@mikecha1957]

It has 2 inch mesh. Only 1 layer. 100 ft long 6 ft deep. Thanks for asking and for watching

[@vabearhunter401]

Hey Mike .. where did you get your gill net from?

[@mikecha1957]

My net came of OS nets. Unfortunately last time I checked OS is no longer in business. However I do know that Dances sporting goods in Colonial Heights has them...

[@vabearhunter401]

Fishing with Mike Chavez thanks I'll check them out

[@JessePatasomcit]

what type of license would I need for using a gill net? I only see the "dip net" and the "saltwater gill net"

[@mikecha1957]

Hey Jesse..Yes you would want to get the saltwater gill net license...$9.00

[@mikecha1957]

This is an older video. I now put small anchors at each end of the net. Makes it much easier...

[@PopPopJoe]

How heavy are your weights on your gill net??

[@mikecha1957]

Im really not sure the entire bottom rope is weighted. I now use small anchors on each end, 5 lbs each. Thanks for watching

[@rodpitcock6730]

Where did you get your gill net from? I’m not to happy with my gill net.

[@mikecha1957]

The company I got this net from went out of business a couple of years ago. There is a sporting goods store around the Richmond Va area that has good ones. Where are you located?

[@rodpitcock6730]

I am in Richmond. What is the name of the store?

[@mikecha1957]

@@rodpitcock6730 Dance's sporting goods in Colonial Hights

[@rodpitcock6730]

Been there. All the gill nets they had, the mesh was to small for the gizzard shad in Hopewell. It was a lot smaller than 1 1/2” To small for the big gizzard shad

[@mikecha1957]

@@rodpitcock6730 Sorry that is the only place I know. There might be someplace online. Good luck

[@casualcarolinafishing5835]

Lucky, we're not even supposed to use a cast net in the lake I've been fishing lately. It's the city water reservoir so they're really picky. All fish must be caught on a hook. Bleh.... I do have a spot I can catch some shad with the cast net, but it's an hour away and I'm not sure which is better, frozen shad or fresh sunfish so I've just been catching the sunfish on a hook and using them.

[@mikecha1957]

My preference would be the fresh sunfish over frozen shad...But fresh shad is the best bait for blue catfish...In my humble opinion...Thanks for watching and commenting Bill...

[@casualcarolinafishing5835]

Yeah, I kinda got that feeling based on how many people use them. Wish I had easier access to some fresh shad.

[@farmall1farmall132]

What part of the James are you?

[@mikecha1957]

Hello, I fish the lower James between the Chickahominy river and Hopewell, va...Thanks for watching

[@farmall1farmall132]

@@mikecha1957 no problem I use to fish Dutch gap area but too many fools with jetskis

[@jcburks2800]

Hello Mike my name is jc I fish hopewell maybe 4 times a year and I have a gill net but I never know where to set it up at as far as depths and location i know this is a older video but any information would help and be greatly appreciated i normally put in at jordans point

[@mikecha1957]

Hey JC I usually fish in cool to cold time of year. The shad can be hard to find then. My net is 6' deep I have my best luck in creeks. I try to locate shad on my fish finder. I have my net weighted at both ends so I can fish it deep if need be. If you go deep be sure to add rope to buoys on each end. Thanks for watching.

[@jcburks2800]

Yea we went down there this past Sunday and had good numbers on blues but I didn't have shad for bait i used at home mix lol. But none was of size I think my net is 5ft tall I have weights on each end and bouys but I've never dropped it deep thanks for the info and response maybe I'll see you out there one day

[@sacton87]

Efficient way to get shad. Too bad it's illegal here in Ohio. Good luck and catch some big ones.

[@mikecha1957]

It is only legal here in Virginia on tidal rivers such as here on the James river. Thanks for watching and commenting..

[@RalphBarton-fishing]

Too cool.. boy would I love to be able to do that but in the over regulated state of New york no can do. Our bait laws are ridiculous.. I have a creek 200 yards from my house with big sucker minnows in it. It's perfectly legal to trap them. In new york your allowed to trap minnows in a body of water or it's tributaries.. and use them in that main body of water. Now where it gets dumb is this. I can trap them walk the 2 miles down the creek to the river and I'm good. But if I walk to my house and drive to the same spot I've now broken the law. To me that makes no sense but it must to somebody. No over the road transporting of bait fish

[@sacton87]

Ralph Barton we have almost the exact same laws here in Ohio. No gill nets allowed.

[@mikecha1957]

That is weird Ralph but like you said, it must make sense to somebody...Here in Virginia I can use my gill net for bait, only in tidal rivers such as here on the James river..Once you get above what they call the "Fall line" it is no longer legal nor is it legal in any lake. But I can come here to the James and catch shad and transport them to other waters..Thanks for watching..

[@vabearhunter401]

Awesome!! How long did you let the net sit before pulling it in?

[@mikecha1957]

The amount of time you let the net sit depends on how strong the tide is and what time of year it is. When the water is cold you want it to sit longer than in warm water because there are more shad around in warm water so it takes longer in cold water. Also the tide will bunch up the net. Sometimes we also watch the floats and see if they are moving like you would a bobber...

[@vabearhunter401]

Fishing with Mike Chavez awesome! ! Thanks for the advice! ! You've helped a lot

[@mikecha1957]

Anytime brother, don't hesitate to ask anything at all..If I know the answer I will share..If I don't know the answer I will find out..

[@saltflyz]

Someone is running deer dogs in the background!

[@mikecha1957]

Oh yeah, they are always running dogs during deer season which is when this was recorded...Thanks for watcing..

[@jacobmcknight4203]

I think that many fishing laws are rediculous here in Ohio they expect me to purchase a fishing license every year then the law kicks you out of any spot that's even worth fishing by putting no fishing sings on waterways,and last time I went to my spot their was a dead poached Deere dumped off the side of the road still wrapped in a tarp don't see odnr doing shit about that witch is clearly the issues needing address instead they worrie about bs

[@mikecha1957]

I hear you buddy..It can be right frustrating sometimes...There are not many places at all to fish from the bank here in my area...That is why I bought a boat..

[@jacobmcknight4203]

@@mikecha1957 that one of my long term goals also

[@boreanil1240]

Delivery amazon.in nets no

[@mikecha1957]

I got my net on OS nets. However they are no longer in business..I think Amazon might have gill nets...

[@boreanil1240]

I'm telangana u delivery

[@boreanil1240]

Amazon.in fishing net no..... no......

[@guaporeturns9472]

Shad = gross

[@mikecha1957]

Shad delicious 🤣😍

[@guaporeturns9472]

@@mikecha1957 sturgeon , catfish and crabs agree with you but the two times I made shad is was inedible. Glad you like it.

[@mikecha1957]

@@guaporeturns9472 I'm joking Guapo we only use shad fore big catfish bait 🤣🤣

[@guaporeturns9472]

@@mikecha1957 I had to try it just because everyone said it sucks..wasn’t sure if it was just some bs or if legit.. it’s legit. Jackrabbit on the other hand isn’t too bad. Rattlesnake not that good. Raccoon not too bad. Suckers are actually quite good but bony. Bear depends greatly on what they have been eating. I have tried lots of stuff that other people won’t eat just to find out if it is for a good reason or just unfounded talk.