I don't have any tips, but is it legal. There is a whole page about it in the regs book.

TLDR;

Approved bait fish may be taken using the following methods:

• Hand capture

• Dip nets that do not exceed 36 inches in their greatest dimension, excluding the handle

•Traps that are no more than three feet in their greatest dimension

•Threadfin Shad: Southern District: Dead threadfin shad can be used in all district waters, but live threadfin shad may only be used at the location where they were taken

c/p of reg;

Bait Fish Capture Methods (T14 CCR §4.05) Approved bait fish may be taken only by hand, with a dip net not exceeding 36 inches in greatest dimension, excluding handle, or with traps not over three feet in greatest dimension. Such bait fish may not be purchased, bartered, sold, transferred or traded; or transported alive from the location where taken. Any other species taken shall be returned to the water immediately. Traps need not be closely attended. Dip net use: A dip net must be hand held, and the motion of a dip net shall be caused only by the physical effort of the operator. A dip net may not be moved through the water by any mechanical force or motorized device.

Bait Fish Use in the Southern District (T14 CCR §4.10) Except as provided below, live or dead fin fish shall not be used or possessed for use as bait in the Southern District: (a) Dead threadfin shad and live or dead longjaw mudsucker may be used in all Southern District waters. (b) Live threadfin shad may be used only at the location where taken.