Originally Posted By: SK63
If they made it, I should be finding small shiners, maybe 2-3 inch range ? I did put some adults in last summer, so those will be larger. If I was to bet on it, I'd be betting I won't find many shiners at all, small or large. As far as method, I'm planning on using a net.


I determine the condition of my forage base not only with pellet feeding but also by employing a dozen minnow traps set along the edges of my pond. I bait them with bread or pellets - but they will capture plenty of forage without any bait also. I routinely sample various sizes of tadpoles, FHM and GSH - the latter up to 4 - 5", and if I'm lucky I'll even score a crawfish or some PK Shrimp. This is an easy and immediate way to determine the condition of your forage base if you lack a seine and a buddy to help you [like me].

Couple of tips for using minnow traps: Keep them in 1-2' of water, resist the urge to go deeper, IMO catches are exponentially smaller. Also, don't allow them to sit for several days - 24-48 hrs max or many of your precious critters will die. It's interesting to note my tadpoles begin consuming the minnow casualties and there are several half eaten if I leave the trap for longer than 48 hrs. Definitely on the tadpoles menu!

Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau

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