Gulf Menhaden

GULF MENHADEN - Brevoortia patronus Family Clupeidae, HERRINGS Other local names: shad, pogies

Description: to 18" oval, deep and compressed; blue or green, sometimes bluish-brown above; sides and belly silvery, fins yellowish; distinct humeral spot often followed by several rows of smaller spots; head very large, exposed margin of scales almost vertical, fringed.
Where found: large, near surface schools primarily in estuaries and near shore waters of the northern Gulf from early spring through fall.
Size: three-year-olds are 8 inches long and weigh more than 6 ounces
Remarks: sexual maturity begins at late age (1) with major spawning areas offshore across the northern Gulf. m

Shad  are difficult to keep on the hook but, make an excellent bait and are great for making chum blocks.