You can't take American Shad in the CT River or Niantic Bay this summer for bait.

26-112-45. Species limitations

(b) American shad (Alosa sapidissima) and Hickory Shad (Alosa Mediocris).

(1) American shad may be taken only by angling.

(2) In those streams open to fishing throughout the year the taking of American shad from July first through March thirty-first, both dates inclusive, is prohibited. In all other areas the taking of American shad from midnight on July first through 6:00 a.m. on the third Saturday in April is prohibited, except as provided in section 26-112-45(b)(4).

(3) The daily creel limit for American shad and hickory shad shall be six fish of both species in the aggregate, except as provided in section 26-112-45(b)(4).