Repeat this until you have netted enough of the proper size bait that is needed. The real bonus here is that the green light also attracts shad, so you'll have a verity of bait onboard. The rule of thumb is the darker the night, the better. You will find that regardless of what type of light you use to attract alewife, they are almost impossible to catch during the full moon. Subscribers to our newsletter get the inside scoop on how to net alewife during the full moon.
Alewife are much easier to keep than shad.
It is better to keep them in a regular shad tank such as a oval or round Ron Vest Super Shad Tank 2. Unlike shad, you can keep alewife in a standard square or re ctangle tank, but not near as well. Kept between 50-67 degrees are best. Warm water means lower oxygen levels. Cool your water by adding ice, but do it slowly, rapid temperature change can result in shock or death.