Check with DFG about the kind of net that is legal (not all are). Also some lakes restrict locations where you are permitted to do this. DFG also does not permit transporting the shad to another body of water.

Bait-caught bass are less likely to survive release, so keep this in mind. Although there is more than one way to hook these shad, I agree with Wade about careful back-hooking (dorsal fin) to keep them frisky. I used to have much fun with my young sons using this technique under a bobber fishing for trout when Lake Berryessa would "turnover" in the fall and shad and trout would come to the surface.

Bob