Eric, what species of fish are you trying to catch in your minnow traps and nets? Be sure you identify the species correctly. There are several species of shiner found in the Great Lakes, some more suited to pond life than others.
Golden Shiner
Spotfin Shiner
Spottail Shiner
Emerald Shiner
The golden and spotfin shiners are the better two species for pond life. The spottail and emerald shiners will survive in ponds, but may have a hard time reproducing.
Tilapia are sold by
http://www.cobleskill.edu/academics/agnrschool/fisheries/fishaqua.asp Not too far from you...
