Shad or Alewife

[vinnimon]

The hole is 10 inchs,that will give you an indication of its size. Other than that to settle differences on what we call this little critter, I say alewife because they can be annoying at times

[Spiel]

That would be a Shad.

 

I'd also be willing to venture you were ice fishing the lower Grand River.

[vinnimon]

That would be a Shad.

 

I'd also be willing to venture you were ice fishing the lower Grand River.

 

 

Nope, much closer to your neck of the woods I always thought that they were called alewifes because of the annoyance while fishing.

[Spiel]

Oh well I tried Vince.

 

How bout in the Bay...

[Bill Shearer]

The black dot was the determining factor for me.

Chris is, As usual correct.

[vinnimon]

Shad then

[lhousesoccer]

The black dot was the determining factor for me.

Chris is, As usual correct.

 

Not so clear cut as that, I'm afraid. Both gizzard shad and alewife have black operculum spots. The main distinguishing factor to tell the difference is that the last ray of the dorsal fin on a gizzard shad is longer than the other rays. See illustration below. From the photo provided, no clear conclusion can be made on proper identification.

 

Gizzard Shad

 

Alewife

[Spiel]

Not so clear cut as that, I'm afraid. Both gizzard shad and alewife have black operculum spots. The main distinguishing factor to tell the difference is that the last ray of the dorsal fin on a gizzard shad is longer than the other rays. See illustration below. From the photo provided, no clear conclusion can be made on proper identification.

 

 

I respectfully disagree, the photo while not conclusive does show (IMHO) the blunt rounded head of a Shad.

[vinnimon]

hopefully this helps, not the best pic. But everyone with there sonars mistaken them for perch on their screens and thought the line bumps were hits Mind you there were perch in the vacinity laying very low

Thats why I like my aquaview