Inland Fisheries Ireland led research on Twaite Shad in Irish Rivers has been ongoing for several years, particularly in the Rivers Barrow and Suir. Some shad were tagged by IFI in the River Barrow at St. Mullins in 2019 – anglers are asked to be vigilant and report any tagged shad they catch to IFI shad@fisheriesireland.ie . One tagged shad recapture was reported in 2021 but some may have been missed due to the tag not being seen. The tag will likely have a film of dark algae (or other microscopic plant) and may be difficult to see. Examples of tags from a tagged bass (a) with algae (b) ‘clean’ tag. Tagged under dorsal fin.
If you catch a tagged fish please clean the tag gently to expose tag number, and take a photo. Measure the fish (total length) and return fish with tag to the water.
Anglers catches have a role to play in monitoring of fish generally. As with all fish, but particularly shad in these catch and release fisheries, good handling is absolutely essential to ensure good survival. These fish need to be handled with great care and given sufficient time to recover.
Best practice handling for shad:
- Angling methods: Please use barbless hooks (preferably single hook) to ensure easy release of fish. Minimizing fight time will benefit the fish. If you must remove a shad from the water please use a landing net (preferably rubberized mesh)
• Unhooking: Ensure your hands are wet and avoid touching the gills, keep fish in the water or in a damp landing net as much as possible
• Measuring your catch: Please ensure the measuring mat is sufficiently wet before measuring (preferably in a shaded area) and minimise measurement time
• Returning your fish: Allow adequate time for fish to recover in the water. Hold in a landing net or gently by hand, facing an upstream direction into the flow (this ensures oxygen flows freely through the gills). When it is strong enough to swim away on its own gently release the fish.
• Minimal handling is always encouraged with shad and always practice Catch and Release
