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. Three degrees per minute is a good guideline. Use 1 tablespoon of Bait Saver per 10 gallons of water. Another important ingredient is something that can lock up the ammonia in the water. Use one of the newer liquid ammonia locks.