IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Maine => Ice Fishing Maine => Topic started by: LostOne on Dec 11, 2011, 08:04 AM
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Haven't seen much about bait trappin this season...who's in? I have about 15 dozen. I am keeping them in my basement entryway this year. I have two 30 gallon jugs that they live in for now. I have changed out their water once in 2 weeks and all seems well. Last year I had about 400 fish. When everything froze hard I lost about 125 bait fish. Not this year. So, who else is trying something new?
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I usually wait till my bait pond is frozen over. And why trap so early? It only takes one night to trap enough bait for the season.
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And why trap so early? It only takes one night to trap enough bait for the season.
It's like a bad habit, or you like seeing bait die. @)
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im waiting for the bod to freeze still havnt even got my set up running yet! ::)
next week hopfully!
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I usually wait till my bait pond is frozen over. And why trap so early? It only takes one night to trap enough bait for the season.
I don't have a spot that yields as much, so it is usaully a dozen here, a dozen there, but I had a good week and got my starters. Last year I was icefishing by about the 16th of Dec. :)
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I usually wait till my bait pond is frozen over. And why trap so early? It only takes one night to trap enough bait for the season.
1000 fish in one night??? I need to find a spot like that !!1
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1000 fish in one night??? I need to find a spot like that !!1
with 4 traps i can get 146 -/+ dozen dace in 1 week. last year i brought a crap ton back one i realized how much i had! and the rest i used on cusk, trout, pike, perch and everything else that were hitting them!! was only left with lil over a dozen at the end of the year.
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Set my traps again this morning 2 inches of ice just enough... Ya my spots dont yeild shinners that good so its takes a while to trap enough.. Alot of dace and mummys.. :(
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My bait pond is screwed...
I havent got a shiner or dace since Jan 2009, just hornpout. Dunno what happened, the pond was a bottomless pit of redfins, regular shiners, fatheads and dace. It just shut off entirely at any depth/position.
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I have been at it since sept,I have lost 3 fish total and one was stuck to the pump,I have around 300 goldens and 400 emeralds.I will be done soon.I have had to bust open a trough with my gaff to set out again.I keep my filter clean and use finer shiner in my 100 gal set up in my garage.
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I'm starting this week. Hope to get a good mix of dace and shiners.
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what do u guys use to hold your bait?
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what do u guys use to hold your bait?
I use two 55 gal drums with pond pumps putting water through a 5 gal pail full of sand,bio balls and polly fill which in turn waterfalls down in my tanks.My garage is insulated but I keep the heat off.
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Made just enough ice last night! I was really ancious to get on the ice so I went out this morning to set the bait traps.. Ice cracked a little but the water was not deep so I went.. ;D
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff452/sadchandler/trapping%20bait/trappingbait2011002.jpg)
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff452/sadchandler/trapping%20bait/trappingbait2011005.jpg)
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff452/sadchandler/trapping%20bait/trappingbait2011001.jpg)
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff452/sadchandler/trapping%20bait/trappingbait2011003.jpg)
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff452/sadchandler/trapping%20bait/trappingbait2011004.jpg)
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I usually wait till my bait pond is frozen over. And why trap so early? It only takes one night to trap enough bait for the season.
Must be nice! I wish I had a spot that produced like that. :tipup:
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I'd reaLlly like to get into trapping bait, but I have no idea where to start. I've never done it and I don't even know anyone that does. Anyone in the Richmond area want to show someone the ropes I'd be all ears!
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I use two 55 gal drums with pond pumps putting water through a 5 gal pail full of sand,bio balls and polly fill which in turn waterfalls down in my tanks.My garage is insulated but I keep the heat off.
how much bait do you keep in them?
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how much bait do you keep in them?
A LOT!!
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/newell-34/Ice%20Fishing/SANY1202.jpg)
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/newell-34/Ice%20Fishing/SANY1199.jpg)
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A LOT!!
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/newell-34/Ice%20Fishing/SANY1202.jpg)
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/newell-34/Ice%20Fishing/SANY1199.jpg)
What do you use for a filter and what do you feed them? Do you leave them in an unheated space?
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any one cheeping there bait in a non heated area? I have a un insulated / un heated garage any thoughts on how I could cheap bait in there any container that would hold water that was already insulated?
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how much bait do you keep in them?
this much
(http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp133/kaleb_722/bait/DSCF4077.jpg)(http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp133/kaleb_722/bait/DSCF4076.jpg)(http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp133/kaleb_722/bait/DSCF4075.jpg)
but because i didnt realize how much space i needa last year i hd this, but this year, o this year im having a 120 gallon tank with a wicked nice filtration system thanks to everyone on here who came up with the good ideas for it!
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those look awesome! i think i am going to try do something like that.
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any one cheeping there bait in a non heated area? I have a un insulated / un heated garage any thoughts on how I could cheap bait in there any container that would hold water that was already insulated?
i keep mine in my garage all winter alls i do is keep it in a 55 gallon drum on its side then i make a box around it from 2 inch foam board then put a reflective board over the top with a light shining in i never had a freeze up all winter
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I use a 64 qt cooler with an airator. I add a pinch of rock salt and change the water once a week. Had bait all winter. :thumbsup:
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I use a 64 qt cooler with an airator. I add a pinch of rock salt and change the water once a week. Had bait all winter. :thumbsup:
I've used this setup for a few years. Usually works pretty good but I ended up having to change the water out every couple days. I got tired of that so I bought a 50 gal storage tote with an aquarium filter for this years setup. should work pretty well.
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i keep mine in my garage all winter alls i do is keep it in a 55 gallon drum on its side then i make a box around it from 2 inch foam board then put a reflective board over the top with a light shining in i never had a freeze up all winter
Smart Man pikeslammer. I had the same set-up last year minus the box...frozen pump hoses=no filtration or aeration= 1 giant 55 gallon dead fish popsicle. :( :-[
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I use a 64 qt cooler with an airator. I add a pinch of rock salt and change the water once a week. Had bait all winter. :thumbsup:
May I ask why you add rock salt?
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I've used this setup for a few years. Usually works pretty good but I ended up having to change the water out every couple days. I got tired of that so I bought a 50 gal storage tote with an aquarium filter for this years setup. should work pretty well.
did you have any problems with the tote being to flimsy?
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Smart Man pikeslammer. I had the same set-up last year minus the box...frozen pump hoses=no filtration or aeration= 1 giant 55 gallon dead fish popsicle. :( :-[
yep same problem i had the year before last this year should be even better now quite fully setup but will be before too long
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did you have any problems with the tote being to flimsy?
haven't got to that point yet but I dont forsee any problems.
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any one cheeping there bait in a non heated area? I have a un insulated / un heated garage any thoughts on how I could cheap bait in there any container that would hold water that was already insulated?
I have mine out in the garage and it's un-insulated or heated, I use a cooler. Plan on moving them into the barrel in the Farm pond once we get some ice so I can set it.
(http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii213/coach04222/100_1322.jpg)
(http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii213/coach04222/100_1704.jpg)
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large 4-6 inch goldens in an old ice chest . Last year i hald them from 11-01 to 3-30 with only like 20 lost .
(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f330/GasBlaster21/dd64f6c9.jpg)
(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f330/GasBlaster21/88357cbc.jpg)
(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f330/GasBlaster21/bf0a2f8c.jpg)
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what kinda things kinda hunt off to what kinda bait you will find in places. i hav trouble finding spots with a decent amount of shiners so i try not ot trap them so the trapping in there gets better. so what do you guys look for?
:%$#!:
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What do you use for a filter and what do you feed them? Do you leave them in an unheated space?
No filter....I just pump it out and refill it every couple weeks. it's in the basement near the wall so it stays pretty cool.
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any one cheeping there bait in a non heated area? I have a un insulated / un heated garage any thoughts on how I could cheap bait in there any container that would hold water that was already insulated?
I'm useing a chest freezer in my yard seems like it will work fine its all ready holding just over 1000 shiners water has been around 44* seems better than the plastic drum from last season
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This is what I'm doing this year. I use to use pink insulation but I pick up one of these kuno filters. I have charcoal filters for it but they dont seem to have very good flow. So i've been using 5 micron filters and they have been doing real good. I have around 30 dozen med shiners so far. My bait pond is slow I prob get around 10 dozen every 3 to four 4 days but its nice bait. Did manage to get a brookie the other day in one of my traps that was pretty neat. All I have to do now is make a new box to hold the filter.
(http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww318/dookie183/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_1736.jpg)
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This is my simple outside bait tank set up , it never freezes and will keep 500 or more shinners. :)
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff452/sadchandler/Fishing%20pictures/IMG_0697.jpg)
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I recently sunk a makeshift pen I made in a private pond with 1000 shiners in it. It's 3'x2'x2'. Will an animal rip it apart or will they leave it alone? Anyone have any experience with this?
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I recently sunk a makeshift pen I made in a private pond with 1000 shiners in it. It's 3'x2'x2'. Will an animal rip it apart or will they leave it alone? Anyone have any experience with this?
I have access to a pond similar to you, I have used this simple set up for years, freeze it in at first ice, no issues and no dealing with filters, elec. etc. Have to chip it out in times of extreme cold. The lid has a 2" piece of foam board attached.
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r106/gamefisher_photos/dcp_20812.jpg)
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r106/gamefisher_photos/DCP_2082.jpg)
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All these set ups are making me think I should try trapping some bait. Not sure what I'll get (if anything), but this spot is close to my house and easy to get to by either ATV or sled. I'll throw a trap out and see what happens. All I'll be out is a few pieces of bread.....
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6499485313_008d4ab730.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54503133@N05/6499485313/)
2011-12-12 09.41.03.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54503133@N05/6499485313/) by chrisminmaine (http://www.flickr.com/people/54503133@N05/), on Flickr
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I like the chest freezer approach, What are you guys using for a filter and pumps with them how do you cheap the pump from freezing?
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anyone have any idea where to trap near winslow???
ive tried a few but can only find dang chubs. any other bait would be fine.
you can pm me if you like...
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All these set ups are making me think I should try trapping some bait. Not sure what I'll get (if anything), but this spot is close to my house and easy to get to by either ATV or sled. I'll throw a trap out and see what happens. All I'll be out is a few pieces of bread.....
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6499485313_008d4ab730.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54503133@N05/6499485313/)
2011-12-12 09.41.03.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54503133@N05/6499485313/) by chrisminmaine (http://www.flickr.com/people/54503133@N05/), on Flickr
You'll be surpized where you can find bait. Dog food or cat food work real good too
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I like the chest freezer approach, What are you guys using for a filter and pumps with them how do you cheap the pump from freezing?
The pump Im using is a 350 gallon submersible and puts off heat, right now it seems to be keeping ice off of the water. When I first put the minnows in the tank they are full of dog food or bread, so I have to change the water weekly.
The submersible pump I use has a prefilter that I change or clean every two weeks.
Don't forget to seperate your small minnows from the big ones or they dissapear quickly. :o
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1000 fish in one night??? I need to find a spot like that !!1
I do the same. Wait til ice, trap the 50-60 dozen that I will need for the season in one setting with 3 traps. Done!
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I do the same. Wait til ice, trap the 50-60 dozen that I will need for the season in one setting with 3 traps. Done!
How big are your traps?
Do you have pictures?
Im only using the little ones you buy from Canadian Tire or walmart.
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How big are your traps?
Do you have pictures?
Im only using the little ones you buy from Canadian Tire or walmart.
I use the store bought gray galvinized traps. Do not waste your money on the black ones they do not catch a fraction of the bait that the gray ones do. Last year I set two traps in a bait pond not much bigger then a puddle and after the first 3 hour soak I had 44 dozen.
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I use the store bought gray galvinized traps. Do not waste your money on the black ones they do not catch a fraction of the bait that the gray ones do. Last year I set two traps in a bait pond not much bigger then a puddle and after the first 3 hour soak I had 44 dozen.
I found the same thing. I have 2 black ones and 1 galvinized one and the glav one always catches double the black ones do.
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I've found the same thing with the black coated trap and the galvanized trap... Why do u think that is?
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I've found the same thing with the black coated trap and the galvanized trap... Why do u think that is?
Not really sure, maybe they can't find the opening as easily??????????? Everyone that I know that traps bait has had the same results with the black traps.
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My rusty ones work the best.
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I do just fine with the Black Traps....
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/newell-34/Ice%20Fishing/SANY1198.jpg)
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Hardly a days worth of bait in that bucket. If you had used galvinized traps that bucket would have been overflowing. ;D
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Hardly a days woth of bait in that bucket. If you had used galvinized traps that bucket would have been overflowing. ;D
That was only 2 hours!! :-\
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what do you guys for tags on your traps?
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what do you guys for tags on your traps?
I just cut a piece of wood about 6" square, drill a hole, write my name and attach it to the rope. Never even been checked before while trapping. I am more worried about losing my traps to the moronic commercial guys that think they own a specific pond. They like to cut and or crush em.
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I just cut a piece of wood about 6" square, drill a hole and attach it to the rope. Never even been checked before while trapping. I am more worried about loosing my traps to the moronic commercial guys that think they own a specific pond. They like to cut and or crush em.
great idea. thanks
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I do just fine with the Black Traps....
I will trade you my black traps for your galvinized ones. Appreciate it.
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Black traps Suuu%K, I never get bait in those >:( I think Maineduckhunter Is the only one.. :)
Hey maineduckhunter .. Can I use your bait honeyhole for about 4 or 5 hours? ;D
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Black traps Suuu%K, I never get bait in those >:( I think Maineduckhunter Is the only one.. :)
Hey maineduckhunter .. Can I use your bait honeyhole for about 4 or 5 hours? ;D
X2 We have never caught a single fish in a Black trap, but I can pull a full trap in 5-6 hours with galvanized ones. Once we tried them side by side and got them same result!!!
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Don't get me wrong, black traps will catch shiners, but I have found the galvi ones to numb em. Side by side comparison has proven it. I'm just saying if your gonna buy some new then avoid the black traps.
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I have to get a few of the galvi traps i guess . I want to see this side by side comparison for myself . I hope you guys are right . then I can cut my trapping time in half . thanks for the tip
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Don't get me wrong, black traps will catch shiners, but I have found the galvi ones to numb em. Side by side comparison has proven it. I'm just saying if your gonna buy some new then avoid the black traps.
iv done the same thing in my dace spot, we set the traps like this black trap, went 30 feet galv trap and so on for 4 traps. the galvs had way more bait than the black hands down! the blacks would have around 4 dozen in them but the galv had close to 10 dozen if not more!!
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I have to get a few of the galvi traps i guess . I want to see this side by side comparison for myself . I hope you guys are right . then I can cut my trapping time in half . thanks for the tip
I'v spray painted my black ones with white and the bait like it :o
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I spray painted my black ones with white and the bait like it :o
yeah i just did the same thing i hope it works out.
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I get bait in my black ones but my one galv will out fish my two black ones anyday.
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I get bait in my black ones but my one galv will out fish my two black ones anyday.
X2
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I'll start trapping once I get home next week. Hopefully I'll still be able to trap my dace honey hole again this year. Also hoping that maybe MDH will return my bait buckets to me with some shiners in them. B/C that picture looks like my one of my bait buckets I gave him last year with dace in it in return for some shiners.
;D
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Not really sure, maybe they can't find the opening as easily??????????? Everyone that I know that traps bait has had the same results with the black traps.
I have always used the black rubber coated trap and had absolutely no issues with my catch. (till my pond died)
In fact, my brother has trapped with me in the same pond with his galvie trap and gets no more than me, many times less than me.
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I get no more or no less with my black traps versus my galvanized.
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I've never had luck with the black ones and I've used both
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I'm not sure if any of you guys would know but... where do the bait shops get their PIN smelt? You know the tiny smelt that salmon are crazy for. Are they raised commercially then sold to bait shops? Do you ever find ponds with pin smelt in them? I know smelt are harder to take care of but I'm trying out the chest freezer/bait tank this season just to be able to keep the remaining bait at the end of the day alive. Can anyone share their knowledge of keeping smelt, either pin or lake smelt? TIA
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I love my black traps. Have no problems. :)
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I'm not sure if any of you guys would know but... where do the bait shops get their PIN smelt? You know the tiny smelt that salmon are crazy for. Are they raised commercially then sold to bait shops? Do you ever find ponds with pin smelt in them? I know smelt are harder to take care of but I'm trying out the chest freezer/bait tank this season just to be able to keep the remaining bait at the end of the day alive. Can anyone share their knowledge of keeping smelt, either pin or lake smelt? TIA
i know of a certain few lakes that have them in it. but they will remain spot x and area y
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http://www.harmonbrookfarm.com/ (http://www.harmonbrookfarm.com/) is a place i found the other night -- seems pretty interesting.... they sell shiners and smelts in all sizes... from fry to brood stock and every size in between.... only downfall is they sell to businesses only.... my question is, if you were to purchase your bait dealers license how hard is it to get a tax i.d. number?
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You can use your SSN as a tax ID #. ;)
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well it is still fishing but I believe that the black ones are crap only gali. for me again ! I had some old traps getting rusty and old and I came up on some black rubbery type traps was thinking jack pot I only paid like
8 bucks each I was pumped but man they just have not done the job of the gali. traps best way for me now
is make mine own I had a hair under 300 large bait the other night don't think they would have fit in one of the black ones but if you must use black ones paint'em or take'em apart and replace 1/2 with a gali.trap so
when put back together you have a 1/2 black and 1/2 gali. trap catch rate will improve I've tryed it all trying to Dial in on them
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Ok, a local friend just told me something and I'd like for you folks to confirm or tell me its BS. Im getting ready to build my first bait tank setup after spending HOURS of reading/researching. Ive thought I had all the aspects completely planned out was ready to start work tomorrow when I heard this..... "The inside of your bait tank has to be black! He told me fish will turn 'transparent' and lose almost all color in a white tank. Is there any truth to this? I only want to do this once and do it right the first time. Looking forward to hearing back from you who have been keeping bait for years! Thanks
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I have found that to be true.We used to keep our bait in a white enamel cast iron bath tub and they sure do lighten up.We always caught plenty of fish with them.Now my tank is black and come to think of it we haven't been catching as many lately :o
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Ok, a local friend just told me something and I'd like for you folks to confirm or tell me its BS. Im getting ready to build my first bait tank setup after spending HOURS of reading/researching. Ive thought I had all the aspects completely planned out was ready to start work tomorrow when I heard this..... "The inside of your bait tank has to be black! He told me fish will turn 'transparent' and lose almost all color in a white tank. Is there any truth to this? I only want to do this once and do it right the first time. Looking forward to hearing back from you who have been keeping bait for years! Thanks
Complete BS!
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A bait dealer told me the same thing. I bought some smelts at the end of the season last year (to kill and use for sewing in the spring), and the guy said to put them in a black trash bag for a day before I killed and froze them, to help them "keep their color." No idea if it made a difference -- but the guy was adamant about it.
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I once heard that keeping them in a black tank helps to keep the calm.
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Ok, a local friend just told me something and I'd like for you folks to confirm or tell me its BS. Im getting ready to build my first bait tank setup after spending HOURS of reading/researching. Ive thought I had all the aspects completely planned out was ready to start work tomorrow when I heard this..... "The inside of your bait tank has to be black! He told me fish will turn 'transparent' and lose almost all color in a white tank. Is there any truth to this? I only want to do this once and do it right the first time. Looking forward to hearing back from you who have been keeping bait for years! Thanks
It's BS. If so I would be in trouble, I have used this tank for the past 3 years.
(http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii213/coach04222/100_1704.jpg)
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I think it only applies to smelts..... ??? ??? ???
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Thanks for the input folks! Ive got a 4 year old freezer that I'm going to turn into a bait tank. Like I said Ive given this a lot of thought with regards to filtration/ventilation and such. Im going to go with a simple filtration system for this winter to get me by but then I'm going to build an even better external filtration system so I can keep bait year round for open water trolling! I'm REALLY excited about this and cant wait to get started. Tomorrow I'm starting the build. Ill start a thread for those that might want to follow with pics
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I think it only applies to smelts..... ??? ??? ???
yeah i think its only smelts too
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glad to see im not the only one gettin tadpoles in my trap......
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How bad do your bait tanks smell? i was planning on putting mine in my basement but if its going to make my house smell i don't think that's going to fly...
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they dont, if you do it right.....
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How do you keep it from smelling?
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Ok, a local friend just told me something and I'd like for you folks to confirm or tell me its BS. Im getting ready to build my first bait tank setup after spending HOURS of reading/researching. Ive thought I had all the aspects completely planned out was ready to start work tomorrow when I heard this..... "The inside of your bait tank has to be black! He told me fish will turn 'transparent' and lose almost all color in a white tank. Is there any truth to this? I only want to do this once and do it right the first time. Looking forward to hearing back from you who have been keeping bait for years! Thanks
yes they will lighten up in a light tank . I notice it in my tank . they wont get transparent , but they will get alot lighter in color . I see it everytime i bring in a fresh batch from the pond . the fresh ones look black in the tank next to the ones that have been in there for a while and the next day all the fish are the same color . it only takes a day or less for them to loose the color . I still catch fish with this bait ,but I do wonder if I would do better with bait from a black or darker tank . Its hard to see the bait to net them out of a black tank that the only bad part I can see about a black tank.
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How do you keep it from smelling?
If you don't use a filter, you will need to change the water on weekly!! That is what I do.
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If you don't use a filter, you will need to change the water on weekly!! That is what I do.
you should never do a full water change at once, half at a time. @)
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My understanding on bait changing color is that all fish have pigment cells and have the ability to change their color to better match their environment. Hence dark water will have darker colored fish, and light colored water a more washed out lighter fish. They also will pick up pigments from the food they are eating. My tanks are a aqua color and I don't see them change at all.
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you should never do a full water change at once, half at a time. @)
I have never :-\ had a problem. Even have done a FULL water change with Smelts with no harm done. :)
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any place where i can get shinners around the winslow area? thanks
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Not just the tank color makes a difference, bucket color is KEY.
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I have never :-\ had a problem. Even have done a FULL water change with Smelts with no harm done. :)
X2
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here's a question... is there a "too cold" for the shiners?? last night i had the temps at 39, when i got home they're at 33.4 and i have a few shiners acting like they are "stunned" but pretty close looking to dead fish... when i put them in a bucket and let the water temp warm up a bit, they come back to life.......
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I had fat heads commit suicide last year. They found there way into the pump. Only heat source there was. I would keep it around 36 and you should be fine. The colder water keeps them from eating to ,so there is less waste.
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I notice my bait lighten up a little towards the end of the season in my glass aquarium. I put some pebbles in and they dont lighten up so fast, plus it gives them something to gather around.
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How long do you guys let your tap water dechlorinate before putting fish in?
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How long do you guys let your tap water dechlorinate before putting fish in?
24 hours will do it, but I use an additive.
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If you have well water then just put them in. If you have city water then just use the the Aquasafe, or CHlor out, Start Right stuff you get at Wally world or pet store that removes the chlorine from your tap water. Onces you put it in then you can just put your bait in the water. Other wise 24hrs on city water to oxygenate the chlorine out.
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Thanks. i had heard somewhere that it was a week but i couldn't believe that it would take that long
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Been hand jigging smelts for over twenty years keep them in dark tank ,and never change more than half the water unless u want to kill them most touchy bait out there .30 to 31 degrees just before freezing .next time at bait store ask him what bait he has greatest loss of.P S plenty of pin smelts at clearwater in industry,thats problem small, better ones at wasakeg ,dexter.
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Where in Dexter?
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Headed north to mooosehead thru dexter going to cross small bridge water both sides thats wasakeeg lake they smelt on left in shallow water ,you will see people sittting on buckets jigging.Rule on lake no ice shacks,only three sides,only lake i know of has that regulation
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P M me if u need more info ,big smelt been good at maranakoook in winthrop.
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Headed north to mooosehead thru dexter going to cross small bridge water both sides thats wasakeeg lake they smelt on left in shallow water ,you will see people sittting on buckets jigging.Rule on lake no ice shacks,only three sides,only lake i know of has that regulation
Thanks AK.
Yeah thats an odd rule..
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Headed north to mooosehead thru dexter going to cross small bridge water both sides thats wasakeeg lake they smelt on left in shallow water ,you will see people sittting on buckets jigging.Rule on lake no ice shacks,only three sides,only lake i know of has that regulation
just to clear up the rule on shacks up in dexter it's no shacks with in 100yards of shore(includes portables) and no holes in the bottom. They just don't want a shanty town on the shoreline with everyone pizzing down there hole, like most spots end up beiing if they come in. Public water supply. @)
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My bait pond is screwed...
I havent got a shiner or dace since Jan 2009, just hornpout. Dunno what happened, the pond was a bottomless pit of redfins, regular shiners, fatheads and dace. It just shut off entirely at any depth/position.
Don't feel bad! I have a nice pond that was loaded with golden's, I guess there was a complete die off last winter, I've only got frogs now. >:( I should have taken time this summer to put some more in there to get it going again but just didn't get it done.
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just to clear up the rule on shacks up in dexter it's no shacks with in 100yards of shore(includes portables) and no holes in the bottom. They just don't want a shanty town on the shoreline with everyone pizzing down there hole, like most spots end up beiing if they come in. Public water supply. @)
Glad I have a well.... :sick:
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Don't feel bad! I have a nice pond that was loaded with golden's, I guess there was a complete die off last winter, I've only got frogs now. >:( I should have taken time this summer to put some more in there to get it going again but just didn't get it done.
Well Im not alone then. LOL
Dont know what wouldve took out all the baitfish, but left the hornpout.... Puzzling. The pond is 150ft by 75ft by 10ft deep and has great flow. I need bait!
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Don't feel bad! I have a nice pond that was loaded with golden's, I guess there was a complete die off last winter, I've only got frogs now. >:( I should have taken time this summer to put some more in there to get it going again but just didn't get it done.
Don't suppose it could be too many people taking more than they really need ???
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Well Im not alone then. LOL
Dont know what wouldve took out all the baitfish, but left the hornpout.... Puzzling. The pond is 150ft by 75ft by 10ft deep and has great flow. I need bait!
Commercial trappers?
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going to try 2 new ponds this week. what do people think about the depth they like where shiners are?
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Commercial trappers?
No way, its a private pond that only me and my brother have permission to use. My brother moved to Oklahoma, so I know hes not trapping them. LOL
Its also only 300 yards from my house as the crow flies, so Id know if there was anyone trucking in and out of there.
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Don't suppose it could be too many people taking more than they really need ???
The only one trapping bait there is me, and it was only me and my brother for the last 10 years.
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whoo whoo! I finnally found shinners! ;D Been trapping for a month now and nothing but dace and chubs :'(
But last night got about 5 dozen shinners overnight.. I'm excited.. ;D
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Don't feel bad! I have a nice pond that was loaded with golden's, I guess there was a complete die off last winter, I've only got frogs now. >:( I should have taken time this summer to put some more in there to get it going again but just didn't get it done.
MG, If you show me where that pond is I could help "regulate" the population so you don't get anymore die offs.
-Dylan
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We dropped two pots in a new puddle tonight...can't wait until tomorrow. ;D
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So far all Ive found is suckers ;/....I love suckers for togue fishing but Im still looking for a good spot for shiners. I managed 1 shiner and lots of 5-8" suckers. Time to try a new spot
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Finally got around to setting a couple SILVER bait traps. Checked them after 3 hours and had just over 15 dozen of all sizes from 1.5" - 5" shiners. Reset them and will go check them with the kids before dark. Should have all the shiners I need for the season after tomorrow. ;D
(http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/ww145/bdlgs666/a6652c47.jpg)
This is my hi-tech bait setup. It works very well and have used it for 5 years. I change half the water every 2-3 weeks and subscribe to the no feeding theory. I make my own filters with supplies bought at the pet store. Hope to be using some of these this weekend.
(http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/ww145/bdlgs666/c5cfec79.jpg)
Just went and hauled again and got another 14 dozen. Total of 29 dozen today in 8 hours.
(http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/ww145/bdlgs666/1fd4e86c.jpg)
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Finally got around to setting a couple SILVER bait traps. Checked them after 3 hours and had just over 15 dozen of all sizes from 1.5" - 5" shiners. Reset them and will go check them with the kids before dark. Should have all the shiners I need for the season after tomorrow. ;D
(http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/ww145/bdlgs666/a6652c47.jpg)
This is my hi-tech bait setup. It works very well and have used it for 5 years. I change half the water every 2-3 weeks and subscribe to the no feeding theory. I make my own filters with supplies bought at the pet store. Hope to be using some of these this weekend.
(http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/ww145/bdlgs666/c5cfec79.jpg)
Just went and hauled again and got another 14 dozen. Total of 29 dozen today in 8 hours.
(http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/ww145/bdlgs666/1fd4e86c.jpg)
Nice! :clap: :clap:
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I am running out of room, hope the ice gets here soon.
(http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii213/coach04222/100_1707.jpg)
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Another stupid question, are you better off to catch what you need for the near future rather than getting what you need for the whole season? It just seems to me that you would have "fresher" bait if you get some when you need it?
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Whoo whoo! I got 15 dozen more shinners today... Now my count is up to 275 shinners.. Ya baby keep um comming.. :thumbsup:
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Another stupid question, are you better off to catch what you need for the near future rather than getting what you need for the whole season? It just seems to me that you would have "fresher" bait if you get some when you need it?
No. get it now because most places go stale and the bait leave or get trapped out by other people. :)
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You guys are amazing.It is an honor to read your posts :bow:
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i have a small 80x100 by 1-3 feet deep swamp hole in my back yard, ive lived hear over a year and it never drys up could that hold bait fish.
i know stupid ????????????? but had to ask, going to by a bait trap and try it anyway tommorow. the ice is finally building hear in southern maine
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i have a small 80x100 by 1-3 feet deep swamp hole in my back yard, ive lived hear over a year and it never drys up could that hold bait fish.
i know stupid ????????????? but had to ask, going to by a bait trap and try it anyway tommorow. the ice is finally building hear in southern maine
Ya it could early, before it freezes down to thick. Give it a try you will know in a day or two trapping. :)
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i have a small 80x100 by 1-3 feet deep swamp hole in my back yard, ive lived hear over a year and it never drys up could that hold bait fish.
i know stupid ????????????? but had to ask, going to by a bait trap and try it anyway tommorow. the ice is finally building hear in southern maine
thats what i did today!!!!! drilled holes all over to find a nice spot and found a spot where it went from 1' to 3' like instantly so i put a trap there
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plenty of bait for now. mostly das and shiners . @) :tipup: :tipup:
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No. get it now because most places go stale and the bait leave or get trapped out by other people. :)
X2
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i have a small 80x100 by 1-3 feet deep swamp hole in my back yard, ive lived hear over a year and it never drys up could that hold bait fish.
i know stupid ????????????? but had to ask, going to by a bait trap and try it anyway tommorow. the ice is finally building hear in southern maine
The "puddle" I trapped those 29 doz in is about 20' x 40' and maybe 4' deep.
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Another stupid question, are you better off to catch what you need for the near future rather than getting what you need for the whole season? It just seems to me that you would have "fresher" bait if you get some when you need it?
Like others have said, you better get it why you can. We need to catch enough to cover 5 of us fishing.
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Like others have said, you better get it why you can. We need to catch enough to cover 5 of us fishing.
And sometimes it's harder to trap latter!!! One, the ice is thicker and harder to get a trap in, and Two, the bait get harder to find in the small ponds.
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We dropped two pots in a new puddle tonight...can't wait until tomorrow. ;D
about 50 tadpoles. :P
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i have a small 80x100 by 1-3 feet deep swamp hole in my back yard, ive lived hear over a year and it never drys up could that hold bait fish.
i know stupid ????????????? but had to ask, going to by a bait trap and try it anyway tommorow. the ice is finally building hear in southern maine
try it especially if water runs out of it. i pull a good charge of dace out of hole half that size early every year.
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New spot turned out to be a tadpole hole...next spot scouted and dropped...3 traps in. Tomorrow is another day. :)
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New spot turned out to be a tadpole hole...next spot scouted and dropped...3 traps in. Tomorrow is another day. :)
You must have had it sitting on bottom? I always set right under the ice early season.
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First pull for me today, only 4 doz. but great looking stuff for trout / salmon..... 50 doz. is going to take awhile. :'( ;D
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I pulled 3 traps from my spot yesterday (12 hour soak) I pulled 9 dozen shiners. Gave them another 12 hour soak and pulled 14 dozen shiners today. Ive got about 25 dozen + in my tank. Need a little more and I shall be good.
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This thread made me go out and buy a trap today, I followed all of the advice I have read. I will check it in the morning and see what I get. I don't have a dog so I used bread. Hope it works. Could only find a black trap, I may have to paint it.
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You must have had it sitting on bottom? I always set right under the ice early season.
Interesting MDH, you are correct about bottom. I got zero fish in 3 days though, and it is a very small pond with no inlet that I could see. I think she's a freezer, but tell me more about suspending your traps...I hadn't thought about it. ??? :-\ :)
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This thread made me go out and buy a trap today, I followed all of the advice I have read. I will check it in the morning and see what I get. I don't have a dog so I used bread. Hope it works. Could only find a black trap, I may have to paint it.
Doritos and Big Red work also. :tipup:
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Interesting MDH, you are correct about bottom. I got zero fish in 3 days though, and it is a very small pond with no inlet that I could see. I think she's a freezer, but tell me more about suspending your traps...I hadn't thought about it. ??? :-\ :)
Mine are a foot below the ice in 4-5' of water Liam, just picked up 3 doz. more after a 4 hour soak and some suckers too boot. :tipup:
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I am going to need a boat to check mine.It is raining and 37 degrees :'(
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ok so a spot i fish i do better with shiners than dace. so i figure that means the shiners are the primary food sources. this pond is deep(30 feet) but not big. should i try the bog end of this place or what? once i make my other traps ill have more traps to try more spots for them but im hoping ot have 2 traps on this pond and 2 one the other one across the road.
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I have always done the best in the shallows along weeds or any other hiding spot for them to stay in.
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This thread made me go out and buy a trap today, I followed all of the advice I have read. I will check it in the morning and see what I get. I don't have a dog so I used bread. Hope it works. Could only find a black trap, I may have to paint it.
No you didn't, you bought a black trap. ;D
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anyone willing to give up a bait pond or hole
;) ;D ;D ;D ;D in waterboro,
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Quote from: maineute on Today at 02:29 PM
This thread made me go out and buy a trap today, I followed all of the advice I have read. I will check it in the morning and see what I get. I don't have a dog so I used bread. Hope it works. Could only find a black trap, I may have to paint it.
No you didn't, you bought a black trap.
I checked at Wallys, KTP and at the big C and that is all I could find. I am borrowing a galvanized one tomorrow and placing them a couple feet apart and see what the difference is. I am guessing they get a bum dope because they are sold by the bib C. I just want to catch some bait, i don't care how i get it.
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The black traps work fine Ute.
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The black traps work fine Ute.
X2
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Quote from: maineute on Today at 02:29 PM
This thread made me go out and buy a trap today, I followed all of the advice I have read. I will check it in the morning and see what I get. I don't have a dog so I used bread. Hope it works. Could only find a black trap, I may have to paint it.
No you didn't, you bought a black trap.
I checked at Wallys, KTP and at the big C and that is all I could find. I am borrowing a galvanized one tomorrow and placing them a couple feet apart and see what the difference is. I am guessing they get a bum dope because they are sold by the bib C. I just want to catch some bait, i don't care how i get it.
mi just picked up a silver one at cabelas today, they just got a large shipment in so i lucked out
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I just want to catch some bait, i don't care how i get it.
No place to use it though :(
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This thread made me go out and buy a trap today, I followed all of the advice I have read. I will check it in the morning and see what I get. I don't have a dog so I used bread. Hope it works. Could only find a black trap, I may have to paint it.
Good Luck and don't get discourage on your 1st attempt, the only person I know is Maine Duckhunter that has any luck with black traps but you might be the 2nd. Good Luck
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mi just picked up a silver one at cabelas today, they just got a large shipment in so i lucked out
I was there at 11 this morning and the guy had to go to the back to get me the one that I bought? he only had about 6 or so.
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Quote from: maineute on Today at 02:29 PM
This thread made me go out and buy a trap today, I followed all of the advice I have read. I will check it in the morning and see what I get. I don't have a dog so I used bread. Hope it works. Could only find a black trap, I may have to paint it.
No you didn't, you bought a black trap.
I checked at Wallys, KTP and at the big C and that is all I could find. I am borrowing a galvanized one tomorrow and placing them a couple feet apart and see what the difference is. I am guessing they get a bum dope because they are sold by the bib C. I just want to catch some bait, i don't care how i get it.
LL Beans has some galvanized
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bought mine at rite aid. dont know if they still carry them anymore tho.
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just got my trap no clue where to put it tho
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just got my trap no clue where to put it tho
in water
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that would be a good start lol
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that would be a good start lol
llook for any boggy spot or stream or brook around you and start there. the more traps more spots you can try ;)
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Went out to check my trap this morning and broke through up to my calf and decided that that trap was going to sit for a couple of days. It is 47 degrees and it apears to have melted of a lot of ice. I had my 2 borrowed galvanized traps and set them closer to the shore where I would not have to ge on the ice to check it. I may need to take someone lighter back with me tomorrow.
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Went out to check my trap this morning and broke through up to my calf and decided that that trap was going to sit for a couple of days. It is 47 degrees and it apears to have melted of a lot of ice. I had my 2 borrowed galvanized traps and set them closer to the shore where I would not have to ge on the ice to check it. I may need to take someone lighter back with me tomorrow.
I use a small tree 8-10' with a ''V'' at the top strip any limbs and set it on top of my trap run line up over the "V"
and back at me along the trunk so when I pick it up I grab line and trunk together as one keep it tight and you can slide it out under thin ice from a hole chipped at the shore you can cut the butt end at a 45 and rechip your hole the next day most of the time
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I use a bouy. LOL
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this is my last years set up on the bog, worked perfect!!
(http://i405.photobucket.com/albums/pp133/kaleb_722/bait/DSCF4058-1.jpg)
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i've seen some spots that look good, but they are in populated areas and im afraid they might get stolen. :-\
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i've seen some spots that look good, but they are in populated areas and im afraid they might get stolen. :-\
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. :tipup: You must know someone with a private farm pond ??? I grabbed 3-4 doz. at lunch...... yikes! :woot: That will be the last time I skin out on that surface until things cool down a tad! ;D
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Anybody try painting the black traps white or silver to see if that works any better?
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Anybody try painting the black traps white or silver to see if that works any better?
Why? The black ones work just fine!! :-\
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I picked up 2 galvi traps at the big C today . I will check my bait pond tomorrow and see if I can walk on it . Testing black and galvi side by side for goldens . I still need like 500 more goldens for the year . I stopped when the skim ice showed and plan on starting again as soon as its safe to walk on .
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Why? The black ones work just fine!! :-\
I re-set my 3 black traps again this morning...done looking for a new place, time to get serious. @)
I only use black traps...They work for me as well. ;D
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Anybody try painting the black traps white or silver to see if that works any better?
either color works. I have one white and one gray, both former black.
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what size mesh do you guys like ot use to build your traps?
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Went out to check my trap this morning and broke through up to my calf and decided that that trap was going to sit for a couple of days. It is 47 degrees and it apears to have melted of a lot of ice. I had my 2 borrowed galvanized traps and set them closer to the shore where I would not have to ge on the ice to check it. I may need to take someone lighter back with me tomorrow.
I always use a long rope on mine for that reason
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I always use a long rope on mine for that reason
If you use a long rope, how do you get it through the hole? Wouldn't it toggle in the hole? I tied it to a standing dead tree.
The other traps I put in are on a long rope, and they are easibly retreavable, but they are on the bottom and are not through the ice, under.
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how much food do u put in a bait trap, tryed 2 spots no luck, still looking for the sweet spot. any help in the waterboro area would be help full. thanks and merry x mas
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how much food do u put in a bait trap, tryed 2 spots no luck, still looking for the sweet spot. any help in the waterboro area would be help full. thanks and merry x mas
Just a handful, I like Gravy Train. I put mine in little sections of the mesh landry bags and just gather it together with a rubber band. After two days I change out, takes no time to gather your bait this way, works slick. :tipup:
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Just a handful, I like Gravy Train. I put mine in little sections of the mesh landry bags and just gather it together with a rubber band. After two days I change out, takes no time to gather your bait this way, works slick. :tipup:
Or you could do it my way and just dump some kibbles in and give her a toss. Then you retrieve a big mess of mushy food mixed with crumb covered shiners. Then transfer that mess into bait bucket, and finally some amount even will make it to your bait barrels...maybe I should try your way gamefisher. ::) ;D ...still learning. :-[
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Or you could do it my way and just dump some kibbles in and give her a toss. Then you retrieve a big mess of mushy food mixed with crumb covered shiners. Then transfer that mess into bait bucket, and finally some amount even will make it to your bait barrels...maybe I should try your way gamefisher. ::) ;D ...still learning. :-[
Ya your way sure sounds like the wtg Liam ::) ;D. With age comes wisdom. ;D Give it a try, I have two traps, 4 little bags. On days when I'm changing out the dog food I already have the new bags "preloaded." I'm up and out of there with my bait in a minutes time. @)
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how i contain my dog food and bread in my traps is in a onion bag. i put the food in it the zip tie it off, don't cut the excess zip tie, use that excess zip tie to tie the bag to the BOTTOM of the trap so that the bait is not exceptable from outside of the trap. i also seen and had buddies use plastic sandwich bags with holes in them and catch bait as well!
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Wifes panty hose works great for chum holdin!
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Do you guys put all your dog food in the bait bag or do u leave a little in the trap too?
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Do you guys put all your dog food in the bait bag or do u leave a little in the trap too?
Usually I just throw it in the trap and do fine, but I use panty hose when wifey isnt looking.
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I just eeeeeeased my fat a$$ out to put my traps back in.... that was a little hairy. :-\ I think I'll wait till tomorrow to go check them!
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Wifes panty hose works great for chum holdin!
I didn't like them myself they hold it to well I like some crumbs blowing around the water just to turn them on
onion bags seem best for me I do like the idea of preloading at home and just swapping i will be doing that
thanks guys
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I just went and checked my traps for the first time, still can only get to 2 of them. When I pulled it out i thought that somebody jammed a stick in the end, I had a large 6 inch shiner stuck in the hole. I caught a frog and a polywog also. Atleast now I know that there are shiners in my bog. I am going to have to look into putting my bait in a bag or something as you suggested, I just dumped it in the bottom and it floated to the top. I guess they can get to it without going in the trap.
I may put on the hip waders and get out there and check the trap I can't get to, since the ice melted.
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I just eeeeeeased my fat a$$ out to put my traps back in.... that was a little hairy. :-\ I think I'll wait till tomorrow to go check them!
I couldn't even get out to mine without taking a bath, no thanks, guess they are going to get a little extra soak time. :tipup:
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I couldn't even get out to mine without taking a bath, no thanks, guess they are going to get a little extra soak time. :tipup:
Should gain quite a bit tonight....supposed to get real cold after dark.
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If you use a long rope, how do you get it through the hole? Wouldn't it toggle in the hole? I tied it to a standing dead tree.
The other traps I put in are on a long rope, and they are easibly retreavable, but they are on the bottom and are not through the ice, under.
I don't tie it right next to shore, I go back a little ways just for that reason and where I am there is no ice.
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I just throw it in the trap and do fine
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Little over 3 dozen today, reset-same bait, black traps. WoooHooo!
I know 3 doz isn't much for some guys, but for me, it's a good pull! I truly enjoy doing it, so I'm glad it takes more than 1 or 2 times for my entire season's worth, but I bet it is sure exciting to pull a single trap with 5 dozen shiners in it... :)
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ONION BAGS WORK GREAT! DOES ANYONE EVER TRY BAIT TRAPS FOR SMELT?
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Got only 30 shinners today nice ones though, but the total for the week was about 350 ye ha!! ;D
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Little over 3 dozen today, reset-same bait, black traps. WoooHooo!
I know 3 doz isn't much for some guys, but for me, it's a good pull! I truly enjoy doing it, so I'm glad it takes more than 1 or 2 times for my entire season's worth, but I bet it is sure exciting to pull a single trap with 5 dozen shiners in it... :)
Wait until you pull a trap with so many they are spilling out the holes.
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DOES ANYONE EVER TRY BAIT TRAPS FOR SMELT?
THEY WORK GREAT FOR SMELTS, YOU GOTTA USE POTATO CHIPS THOUGH . @)
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how do you guys feel about this? i know this road with tons of ponds on it and i was looking for a new bait spot. i finally found one with bait so i set traps out there and there was no sign of anyone else trapping there. i pulled my traps with the warm rainy weather coming in and today i went back to set them and i noticed a new hole with a bait line going into the water. Do you guys think its a big deal two people trapping the same pond? i reset my traps on the other side of the pond where i had set them before and was going to pick them up tomorrow morning
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I wouldn't care as long as my traps not being emptied when I'm not around!
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I was thinking the same thing. I'm not going to touch their stuff so I would hope they wouldn't touch mine
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how do you guys feel about this? i know this road with tons of ponds on it and i was looking for a new bait spot. i finally found one with bait so i set traps out there and there was no sign of anyone else trapping there. i pulled my traps with the warm rainy weather coming in and today i went back to set them and i noticed a new hole with a bait line going into the water. Do you guys think its a big deal two people trapping the same pond? i reset my traps on the other side of the pond where i had set them before and was going to pick them up tomorrow morning
I have seen others at the spot I use, in fact the spot was relayed to me by a couple of members on here...much appreciated. ;)
I look at it like this, once you get a few dozen from a trap then it has paid for itself, after that if it get's stolen, not such a loss as a hassle. ;)
I think people aren't as quick to mess with our traps as we might think. It takes a special kind of a-ho1e to walk on thin ice, or trip through the woods to steel shiners or even bait traps...I hope. @)
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Just curious as to why you guys set your traps after the ice forms. Is this to have fresher bait or due to some regulataion in Maine? Thanks.
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Super pumped been trying to trap bait all week with no luck. But yesterday I tried a new spot and got about 2 dozen overnight. Guess its time to make a few home made traps!
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I just set a couple of traps in a small pond and the water is really cloudy does anyone now if that is a problem the water is about 3 to 4 feet deep?
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I just set a couple of traps in a small pond and the water is really cloudy does anyone now if that is a problem the water is about 3 to 4 feet deep?
where about is this pond?? ;) haha im thinking of hitting a few small ponds on this side withthe traps this week!
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went and checked my traps again this morning, I had a single shiner in 2 of my traps. I dumped the bait and put new bait into bags and reset them, I hope that makes them have to go into the traps to get the bait. I have caught 3 fish now, at this rate it will take me a month to get a dozen.
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went and checked my traps again this morning, I had a single shiner in 2 of my traps. I dumped the bait and put new bait into bags and reset them, I hope that makes them have to go into the traps to get the bait. I have caught 3 fish now, at this rate it will take me a month to get a dozen.
keep one in the spot you are getting a few and move the others around a little its still fishing !
or change up the bait try other things till you find what works for you or the body of water
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I just set a couple of traps in a small pond and the water is really cloudy does anyone now if that is a problem the water is about 3 to 4 feet deep?
No problem...you'll be fine.
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went and checked my traps again this morning, I had a single shiner in 2 of my traps. I dumped the bait and put new bait into bags and reset them, I hope that makes them have to go into the traps to get the bait. I have caught 3 fish now, at this rate it will take me a month to get a dozen.
Keep moving them around. Shiners stay together in a school for the most part. It's just a matter of time before a school stumbles upon your trap. Try different locations (next to wood, weeds, and/or different depths) and you'll get into them. Throw a few small pieces of white styrofoam into your trap along with the bait. Something about the color attracts them. It can be frustrating. I've had two traps virtually side by side; one had 350 shiners while the other had less than a dozen. Who knows why....that's bait fishing for ya. Typically there is no rhyme or reason, every time you think you have it figured out they do something different.
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2 more dozen today. I now have about 325. I left my 3 black traps in a row yesterday. Today, 1 had 2 fish, 1 had 1 fish, and the 3rd had 23 fish. Same dogfood(haven't switched to bait bags yet gf. ;)) in each trap. My traps are on the bottom though, so maybe it is a question of whether debris pops up and blocks my entrance(ie. a leaf over one or both ends). Anyway, I'll be yanking them tomorrow and not resetting until I use some of what I have. Congrats to all the first time trappers on this thread! :clap:
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Just curious as to why you guys set your traps after the ice forms. Is this to have fresher bait or due to some regulataion in Maine? Thanks.
Just after first ice is typically when you'll do the best. After that usually you'll see the numbers drop off as the weeks go by. Not related to any regulations.
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2 more dozen today. I now have about 325. I left my 3 black traps in a row yesterday. Today, 1 had 2 fish, 1 had 1 fish, and the 3rd had 23 fish. Same dogfood(haven't switched to bait bags yet gf. ;)) in each trap. My traps are on the bottom though, so maybe it is a question of weather debris pops up and blocks my entrance(ie. a leaf over one or both ends). Anyway, I'll be yanking them tomorrow and not re-setting until I use some of what I have. Congrats to all the first time trappers on this thread! :clap:
Since you love trapping so much, feel free to dump your bait off here and I'll house them for you ;D
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How big of a difference have you guys noticed when your traps are set on the bottom rather than set a couple feet of the bottom? I haven't been a able to get out on the ice yet on the pond I'm trapping so I've only been able to put them on the bottom so I'm hoping when i do get out on the ice i will start to see better numbers..
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i like to suspend. You get less tadpoles and undesireables that way.
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How big of a difference have you guys noticed when your traps are set on the bottom rather than set a couple feet of the bottom? I haven't been a able to get out on the ice yet on the pond I'm trapping so I've only been able to put them on the bottom so I'm hoping when i do get out on the ice i will start to see better numbers..
I trapped a pond for a few years and the only way I could consistently get shiners was to suspend the trap 2-3' below the surface. Otherwise I'd get all hornpout. Each pond is different though and you need to experiment.
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i need some advice guys -- this summer i found a sweet honey hole for hhhuuuugggeeee shiners.... went to go drop some traps the other day and noticed someone else beat me to it..... i guess im asking is what would you do??? drop a trap and say screw it? or dont.......
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i need some advice guys -- this summer i found a sweet honey hole for hhhuuuugggeeee shiners.... went to go drop some traps the other day and noticed someone else beat me to it..... i guess im asking is what would you do??? drop a trap and say screw it? or dont.......
Put a trap in.
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had the same problem down here! I'm going to keep trapping it i don't mind sharing a spot as long as they don't mess with my traps
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Put a trap in.
X2
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thats my biggest worry -- loosin a trap.... but f*** it right..... nothing ventured, nothing gained.....
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exactly! its a what 10$ trap its not too much to worry about.. and you'll probably end up running into the guy sooner or later.
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How big of a difference have you guys noticed when your traps are set on the bottom rather than set a couple feet of the bottom? I haven't been a able to get out on the ice yet on the pond I'm trapping so I've only been able to put them on the bottom so I'm hoping when i do get out on the ice i will start to see better numbers..
Ive never had any luck on bottom, usually from midway to the top of the water column is where theyre at.
I use a bouy (or a milk jug) to float the trap when theres no ice.
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Im trying to use a 2 liter soda bottle to float mine under the ice to keep it off the bottom. I hope it helps
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right -- i know where he goes in -- i was also thinkin about leavin a note askin if the pond if big enough for two as long as i dont screw up his trappin -- leavin my number and if it matters to call me.....
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thats a good idea. i would say give it a try
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thats my biggest worry -- loosin a trap.... but f*** it right..... nothing ventured, nothing gained.....
In all the years I have trapped bait, I never had one stolen, Knock on wood, but I did have to buy 8 for ones crunched by ice.
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In all the years I have trapped bait, I never had one stolen, Knock on wood, but I did have to buy 8 for ones crunched by ice.
crunched by ice ?????
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I would leave him a note on his traps in a plastic bag, it will proabably be someone you know.
crunched by ice ?????
I agree how do you get a trap crunched by ice? ??? This definitely needs an explanation.
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I would leave him a note on his traps in a plastic bag, it will proabably be someone you know. I agree how do you get a trap crunched by ice? ??? This definitely needs an explanation.
Trapped in to shallow of water one time and one place I like to trap is in the river and got caught up in some ice dams.
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In all the years I have trapped bait, I never had one stolen, Knock on wood, but I did have to buy 8 for ones crunched by ice.
We had 2 clovers stolen this year...yeah thats just under $400.00 for the pair. A big thank you to the SOB who did it. Karma is a b%tch my "friend". If anyone hears someone bragging about "finding" 2 new clovers, I'd appreciate a PM. I'd be more than happy to fetch them from the coward thief myself. There's a cash reward to the person who provides information leading to their safe return.
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We had 2 clovers stolen this year...yeah thats just under $400.00 for the pair. A big thank you to the SOB who did it. Karma is a b%tch my "friend". If anyone hears someone bragging about "finding" 2 new clovers, I'd appreciate a PM. I'd be more than happy to fetch them from the coward thief myself. There's a cash reward to the person who provides information leading to their safe return.
I hate a thief! >:(
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We had 2 clovers stolen this year...yeah thats just under $400.00 for the pair. .
you got ripped twice. YEAH, I can build a big clover for less than $25.00.LMAO @)
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you got ripped twice. YEAH, I can build a big clover for less than $25.00.LMAO @)
Well I'm glad you're amused. ???
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Well I'm glad you're amused. ???
let me know next time your ready to drop 2 bills on one, I'll give you a deal. @)
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Trapped in to shallow of water one time and one place I like to trap is in the river and got caught up in some ice dams.
Oh I see now . I have had mine crushed while they were in the pond thats why I was wondering . I think there is a critter down there wanting in at the shiners or dog food ?? What ever it is it's a strong little bugger to bend up my trap the way he does .
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Gasblaster, I have seen similar things happen. Typically this is otter activity, they are strong (and smart) enough to mangle a bait trap. Imagine walking down the street and seeing a hanging bag full of candy (or beer if you prefer), because thats what an otter sees in your trap. LOL.
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Oh I see now . I have had mine crushed while they were in the pond thats why I was wondering . I think there is a critter down there wanting in at the shiners or dog food ?? What ever it is it's a strong little bugger to bend up my trap the way he does .
Yea I have seen that happen as well.
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let me know next time your ready to drop 2 bills on one, I'll give you a deal. @)
The traps weren't ours, they were borrowed from a friend.
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The traps weren't ours, they were borrowed from a friend.
Well a friend would replace them, let me know ;)
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You got any bait over there GasBlaster? Or does anyone know if Sebago Bait is open? I'd like to throw in a few traps maybe tomorrow.
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the bait pond is walkable now so the traps are going back in . I only have about 100 or so right now ,But the tank will be full in soon if the little buggers play along. Come grab a few in the morning if you need some .
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Well a friend would replace them, let me know ;)
It's only right and that's what we plan to do.
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traps in at 8am this mornin . one black and one galvi 4-6 feet apart
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ok I am on board with the galvi traps . 22 in the galvi and 2 in the black . Slow day at the pond I hope the numbers improve . I still need like 800 more for the season .
I'm headed out to get a silver spay bomb and give my black traps a paint job .
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Launched the big sucker traps 2 days ago, checked them today got 36 suckers all large 8 to 15 inches.. :thumbsup:
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After reading all the posts I went out and got a small trap at Hussey's General Store. I set it out this afternoon and will check it tomorrow evening. Had @ 2" of ice on the bog in Augusta where I am trying trapping.
On another note, I drove by Togus pond this morning and there were some folks there fishing on 2" of ice. I saw 2 different groups. I stopped and talked to one of the guys who was on shore -- they weren't staying too long given the conditions. Can't say I blame them!
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I am just about sld on the silver traps. I was able to get my traps out where I wanted them this morning. went back this afternoon and had 4 or 5 in each galvinized trap and none in the black trap. I have onlt caught one in the black trap since I have had it, only 3 feet from the galvinized trap. I think I wil bring it home next time and paint it if there isn't some shiners in it.
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Anyone point me to the laws/regs on trapping/keeping your own bait.? very much appreciated. sorry newbie here
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;D ::) ;D
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This year's bait thread... i dont know how to get the topic link but its on page 6or 7, alot of info. im new to baiting to so im no help
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Just got back from Virginia last night, so I haven't had a chance to trap bait yet. Got a BLACK trap in at 11:30 today and emptied around 6 dozen out of it at 4pm. Not too bad for a 4 1/2 hour soak!!!
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/newell-34/Ice%20Fishing%202012/SANY2235.jpg)
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/newell-34/Ice%20Fishing%202012/SANY2238.jpg)
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Nice haul! I checked my traps this morning and ended up with about 10 doz. Gotta love trapping bait!
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I caught around 1,000 shiners with my pull today, so I pulled my trap. I will put it back if I need more.
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I caught around 1,000 shiners will my pull today, so I pulled my trap. I will put it back if I need more.
:o Wow!!! :o
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i set up my tank monday, but dont have squat to put in it yet! going to try a few new spots soon
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So I set my first trap out a few days ago, and I didn't trap anything -- not even a polliwog.
I was talking to guy at work about trapping bait and he said, "Just come out to my house. I have a small pond that someone but a bunch of shiners in years ago."
So I went out after work yesterday and threw a trap in, and went back tonight -- 24 hours later -- and this is what I had....
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6597003823_75e0c3032a_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54503133@N05/6597003823/)
2011-12-29 18.11.02.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54503133@N05/6597003823/) by chrisminmaine (http://www.flickr.com/people/54503133@N05/), on Flickr
A little more than 10 dozen in one 24 hour soak. Sweet!
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WTG, nice haul :thumbsup:
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Great Job ChrisMinMaine!!! :thumbsup:
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I've see just about everyone post on this thread except Flatty. I gave him some tips, but have not seen any pictures of his catch, looks like he might have gotten SKUNKED AGAIN. :whistle: :whistle: Better get his favorite hat ready again. :roflmao: :roflmao:
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Thanks. If I can trap bait anyone can!
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Nice and nice friend
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We (Ice Drinka ) and myself have a little pond on the familes property that we stocked many years ago with about two dozen minnos. Now there are litarally thousands of bait in it. We feed them all spring summer and fall with old bread crackers and dog food. This year we put the trap in and when pulling it out for the first time I could feel it shaking. hahah. There were so many minnows that it looked like a can of sardines. Two pulls of the trap and we have about 12 dozen nice sized minnos. I feel good about not runnning out of bait this season. ;D
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I started setting traps this week. Set one in my dace honey hole which as usual produced hundreds of dace from 1-3" and also tried a new place for shiners on a tip from a neighbor. Well the hot tip turned into a fizzle. I set a trap on monday and was only able to get the trap set out 5' from shore in 2' of water. On a two day soak not even a tad pole, the bait was still in the trap. Not even any water bugs, nymphs, caddis, dragon fly larvae. hopefully as we get more ice here on the mid coast I'll be able to get out on the pond farther and set my trap out over deep water to see if they are suspended over the deep water.
One major set back in my bait tank this year. My trusty Fiberglass over wood tank had a major leak, and some delamination. The more I tried to fix it the more I was gonna sink money into it. One 3x5 inch spot turned into me peeling off the fiberglass mat on almost every side of the tank. So I got mad and threw it out on the burn pile. Luckily I had a 55gal drum contantment storage that I use to use for a water tank for cattle when I used to have them. I spent some time tonight to put together a little something out of some scrap wood. Should hold somewhere around 150 gallons of water. Gonna use a 1000gph pond pump. Container measures 54"Lx36"Wx34"H. I'll post pictures in the morning
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I was finaly able to get back out to my traps today, the ice was about 3 inches thick. I haven't been able to check them since monday. My one galvanized trap had 2 dozen, the other only had one. I noticed that there may have been a decent gap in the halves. The black trap had 1 shiner. In 10 days it has caught 2 shiners. I rebaited the traps and brought the black trap home and painted it white. I took it out to soak in the same exact spot and thought what the heck I will check the other traps while I was there and had almost 3 dozen in about 3 hours. Pretty good for me. I will go back in the morning to check the white one, hope it starts catching bait.
Any ideas why the black traps dont work?
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My black trap works fine. In fact, the 2 galvies Im also using havent netted 1 bait fish. My black trap has got em all...
Got thinking about why everyone puts both kinds of traps right beside each other too. Why wouldnt the bait migrate to the shiney one? Put them farther apart in my opinion, they would produce similar results.
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Got some help today from my Niece!!! :thumbsup:
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/newell-34/Ice%20Fishing%202012/SANY2239.jpg)
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/newell-34/Ice%20Fishing%202012/SANY2240.jpg)
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Geez you dont skimp on the bait food huh MDH!
Maybe I'll chuck more into my traps than I have been.
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My black trap works fine. In fact, the 2 galvies Im also using havent netted 1 bait fish. My black trap has got em all...
Got thinking about why everyone puts both kinds of traps right beside each other too. Why wouldnt the bait migrate to the shiney one? Put them farther apart in my opinion, they would produce similar results.
I have them about 10 feet apart, I put the painted white trap back in the same hole it came out of. We will see if it eally makes a difference tomorrow, or if I have just put it in 3 bad spots.
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I think they cant see the black ones as well as the galvanized ones.
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I have them about 10 feet apart, I put the painted white trap back in the same hole it came out of. We will see if it eally makes a difference tomorrow, or if I have just put it in 3 bad spots.
If you picked 3 bad spots so did the rest of us, let us know how it works.
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I think they cant see the black ones as well as the galvanized ones.
I think thats it too.
Thats why putting them 4 feet apart gets different results in my opinion. 20 feet would be better.
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what makes up a good bait pond, ;D
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bait
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LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION
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i can see i'm going to get alot of help, lol
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Spring fed, dug deep pond with plenty of shade and very little vegetation. AND of course the right bait to start with. Shinners only no chubs.
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Just hauled another 6-8 dozen, it was so many they were swimming around the outside of it too!!! :thumbsup: Put it back for one more good Haul!!! ;D
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Have you guys ever noticed that old dog food works better than fresh dog food? I was using old dog food probably had a 2 day soak with it and it was catching great number and then last night i switched and put new stuff in when i checked this morning i caught 6.....
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Just checked my other bait trap today set for dace, about 4-5 dozen, I think that will be a good start for the season!!!
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/newell-34/Ice%20Fishing%202012/SANY2252.jpg)
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Just checked my other bait trap today set for dace, about 4-5 dozen, I think that will be a good start for the season!!!
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/newell-34/Ice%20Fishing%202012/SANY2252.jpg)
nice job MDH and thanks with the link for baitdeales perm. ;D
wow you know what that tank would look like fishing my gavis. :o ;)
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I said that I would post about my black trap and how I painted it white. It has been 2 days since I painted it and I havent caught anything in it. I am starting to wonder if it is the trap. The galvanized traps have the mesh that comes to a point and would keep the fish from wanting to swim out? The black/painted white trap has a ring around the inside making it smooth. Do you guys pull those rings out? I am at a loss. 2 week in the water and only 2 fish.
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Hauled in 7-8 dozen fatheads and dace, and 1 shiner.
All in my black trap but 1 fathead that was in a new galvie.... Im starting to think the galvie traps are junk.
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I'll take your galvi. Mine works great.
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I said that I would post about my black trap and how I painted it white. It has been 2 days since I painted it and I havent caught anything in it. I am starting to wonder if it is the trap. The galvanized traps have the mesh that comes to a point and would keep the fish from wanting to swim out? The black/painted white trap has a ring around the inside making it smooth. Do you guys pull those rings out? I am at a loss. 2 week in the water and only 2 fish.
Mine didn't have the rings in them. I think you would do better if you pulled them out.
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headed to my uncles yeasterday and set a trap in his pond. pulled 7 dozen nice goldens in a 4 hour soak.
i guess my search is over.
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I prefer the Gee galvanized traps. I do have a couple black traps with the rings at the opening. I catch bigger minnows than I usually want in them so one of the black traps I wire in the rubber gasket that goes on a garden hose between the faucet which shims up the hole for the size I want from that trap. Otherwise I get bullheads & small green sunfish when they hatch and get a certain size.
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My black trap is the rubber/vinyl coated one, from Wally World.
Had it over 10 years and never had any problem getting bait in it, even when it was new.
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My black trap is the rubber/vinyl coated one, from Wally World.
Had it over 10 years and never had any problem getting bait in it, even when it was new.
You and MDH need to hook up.. you guys and your black crap bait traps ;D
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You and MDH need to hook up.. you guys and your black crap bait traps ;D
LOL
Hey, Im for using whatever works!
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Mine didn't have the rings in them. I think you would do better if you pulled them out.
x2 :)
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all mine have the ring, no issues.
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i have a couple blacks that i painted white and took the rings out. Ive just noticed i catch bigger bait without the ring
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HEY JIGGA PLEASE DON'T HOLD BACK YOUR FEELINGS JUST FOR US. ;D :clap: :roflmao:
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Glad somebody is having luck with bait, i have tried 4 different ponds so far, not one fish....hmmmm
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Glad somebody is having luck with bait, i have tried 4 different ponds so far, not one fish....hmmmm
where are you dropping your traps? near shore, by structure, off bottom right under ice, halfway....
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I checked my trap today. I pulled 5 dozen shiners, and about a dozen little dace.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6622580337_6e5059d3b5_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54503133@N05/6622580337/)
2012-01-02 15.19.33.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54503133@N05/6622580337/) by chrisminmaine (http://www.flickr.com/people/54503133@N05/), on Flickr
Now we just need some more ice! ;D
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I have tried a little off bottom, and half way almost everyplace was about 4-5ft of water. I tried around tree structure, no structure, the edge of weed beds. Nothing at all not even a tadpole. A solid 4 days of attempts and still had to buy bait to fish yesterday hahaha
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I tweaked my set up some this afternoon before I added my new bait.
I know I may need to upgrade filter set-ups at some point, but I moved the bait out to the unheaded shed, added the foil faced insulation, light and the filter. I don't plan on running the light until it cools down some, and will use a different light if I need to, but I had that one kicking around.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6622583441_93e9bef5a5_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54503133@N05/6622583441/)
2012-01-02 14.47.38.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54503133@N05/6622583441/) by chrisminmaine (http://www.flickr.com/people/54503133@N05/), on Flickr
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All you Maine guys trappin. Nice. Sounds pretty interesting to say the least. I think I have too many options for possible bait. I have the Lake Michigan harbors and piers, would think there should be good bait there. Also have a shallowish river with decent access, with a couple slue/backwater areas that are easy to get at, or would a deeper hole, be a better option. We have no ice right now. (yeah sucks to be me)
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All you Maine guys trappin. Nice. Sounds pretty interesting to say the least. I think I have too many options for possible bait. I have the Lake Michigan harbors and piers, would think there should be good bait there. Also have a shallowish river with decent access, with a couple slue/backwater areas that are easy to get at, or would a deeper hole, be a better option. We have no ice right now. (yeah sucks to be me)
Some of my better pulls this year have been from traps in less than 3 fow. There really is only one way to know for sure....bait a trap and throw it in.
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Is it pretty safe to say that most bodies of water have bait fish? Shiners? Im striking out hard so far. (First year trying) Thanks
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would anybody want to give tips to a newbie on what type of water to be looking for to trap shiners this time of year? small ponds,bogs,rivers etc.. what kind of depth? any info would be greatly appreciated.
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trying to think where I can get some of those plastic 55 gallon drums for cheap. I've seen them all over the place, but now that i might be looking for them i cant place one place i've seen them. lol
Would think any place you catch game fish is going to hold bait fish.
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Small ponds and bogs. Just under the ice seems to do the trick.
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trying to think where I can get some of those plastic 55 gallon drums for cheap. I've seen them all over the place, but now that i might be looking for them i cant place one place i've seen them. lol
Would think any place you catch game fish is going to hold bait fish.
Try CL.
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Look for the thread titled this years bait thread, I followed it, did what they said and was able to catch 6 or 7 dozen so far, not what I would like but I didn't spend a dime this morning on bait.
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Look for the thread titled this years bait thread, I followed it, did what they said and was able to catch 6 or 7 dozen so far, not what I would like but I didn't spend a dime this morning on bait.
At least that what we tell the wife.
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I tweaked my set up some this afternoon before I added my new bait.
I know I may need to upgrade filter set-ups at some point, but I moved the bait out to the unheaded shed, added the foil faced insulation, light and the filter. I don't plan on running the light until it cools down some, and will use a different light if I need to, but I had that one kicking around.
thats a sweet setup . that light will work great . with that light you will need to keep the top open a bit or it will get to warm .you will have to test a little to get the temp just right. pop in a floating thermometer and keep it at 35 - 40 and you will have good bait all winter .
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Is it pretty safe to say that most bodies of water have bait fish? Shiners? Im striking out hard so far. (First year trying) Thanks
Heh, Ive only got 1 shiner in 3 weeks... Safe to say not all bodies of water have shiners. LOL
I have 10 dozen dace and fatheads though, so Im ok for awhile.
Look for beaver bogs, they are a good place to start off.
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trying to think where I can get some of those plastic 55 gallon drums for cheap. I've seen them all over the place, but now that i might be looking for them i cant place one place i've seen them. lol
Would think any place you catch game fish is going to hold bait fish.
I happened to see one just in the woods off a river bank while fishing this summer, I dragged that sucker 1 country mile back to the truck and loaded it up. Keep your eyes peeled, they show up where you least expect!
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v700/FRESHBAIT/DSCN0013.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v700/FRESHBAIT/DSCN0007.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v700/FRESHBAIT/DSCN0007.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v700/FRESHBAIT/DSCN0006.jpg)
some pictures of my new bait tank, its up and running. Although it needs some tweeking. The filter just cant handle the 1000gph that I am pumping to it. So I'm gonna do some testing of a new filter that will be able to handle the flow of water. Once I'm done I'll post some pictures of the new filter. For now I'm regulating the flow with a ball valve to restrict the flow of water to allow the fillter to be able to handle the water.
My Setup for dace is just a 37gal sterlite heavy duty tote with a hangon whisper 60 filter. Its got somewhere in the neighborhood of 500 dace 1-2.5" in it now as of today.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v700/FRESHBAIT/DSCN0010.jpg)
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very cool set up FRESHBAIT I like the pump like that mine is just inside a black bait trap only good use I ever got from that trap I closed up one end dropped in a brick and drop it in on end with wire and hose coming up and out the other hole works but takes up room
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3 weeks ago I was getting 2-5dozen shiners a night, this week, less than a dozen a night...hmmm ??? ??? ???
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I would take the less than a dozen a night, compared to the zero i have caught.
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i like it alot, gives me ideas, thanx for posting, :-\
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Today I got busy and built a new filter for my large tank. I needed something that was gonna be able to handle the 1000gph+ I was going to be pumping through it. I used a 32g square tote, plumbed in a shower drain in the bottom, and made a through bulkhead fitting with a spray bar. Used one of the square mesh plastic light diffusers to act as a support for my ac/heater filter. I also plumbed in some new 1" hose from the pump b/c the other stuff was just 5/8". turned it on and it handles it without any problems, no more worrying about weither or not its gonna over flow. b/c it cant handle the water being pumped into it. I'll post pictures of it tonight when I head back down to the shed.
I also finally got some shiners in one of my bait traps. Only managed 2dz small/mediums in a 12hr soak. I reset and I'll check it again tomorrow.
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I am looking to build a live bait well to set in a river. My basement is heated and no garage and I am not sure how they will survive with temps around 68 in basement. Any help?
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old washing machine insides..... or a 55 gallon drum
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I am looking to build a live bait well to set in a river. My basement is heated and no garage and I am not sure how they will survive with temps around 68 in basement. Any help?
I have heard of bad results trying to set up a bait well in a river.
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I have heard of bad results trying to set up a bait well in a river.
Yeah, id say no go in a river with more than a little current. Maybe a deep pool in a small brook.
I think you be better off with an isulated tank outside or turn the heat off in the basement.
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v700/FRESHBAIT/FILTER137.jpg)
OUTSIDE VIEW OF THE NEW FILTER
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v700/FRESHBAIT/FILTER138.jpg)
Outlet and the T fitting causing the outflow to vortex, airating water more
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v700/FRESHBAIT/FILTER139.jpg)
Inside of the filter and the grated light diffuser panels I used to help support the filter material. Under the grate is 4pcs of 1 1/4 " pvc cut to 6" set in each corner and then the grate set on top of that. That creates an area under the filter material for the bio balls and the excess cutoff pieces of the light diffuser panels which create lots of surface area for the beneficial bacteria.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v700/FRESHBAIT/FILTER140.jpg)
better view of the interior and the spray bar. Under side of spray bar there are 6 3/8" holes and then on each side there are 7 holes I made using a heated up broken craftsman screw driver to get more coverage of water accross the filter material.
The top layer is a grate to help hold down the filter material, then a piece of blue filter from an ac/heater $6 at lowes it'll catch a ll the large debris
then another piece of diffuser panel and a piece of white fiber mat from the craft dept at wally world about $8 it'll catch all the finer debris
then another piece of diffuser panel for the base support, it sits on the 4 pieces of pvc pipe keeping it up off the bottom
Then all the bio balls and scraps from the diffuser panels. The tote was around $20, PVC Pipe and fittings $20, I built the new filter for around $60 b/c some parts I already had so its a good rough estimate at $60 for parts just for the filter, the 1000gph pump last year was around $80 I think. so far its working great and is handling the water great, I think it could even handle more flow. Now its just a matter of time for the stained pond water to clear up.
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The black trap painted white came thruogh today, had 7 shiners, 8 polywogs and a frog, more than it has produced ever in one pull. I am still going to take out the rings from the middle but I am glad I have caught something with it, it hasn't paid for itself yet but I can see it turning.
By the way does anyone ever use polywogs for bait? How would you ever hook them?
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Well the search paid off- I tried 5 different locations fell threw the ice once but I finally found some bait. Pulled two traps today that had around 10 dozen perfect size shiners. :icefish:
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The black trap painted white came thruogh today, had 7 shiners, 8 polywogs and a frog, more than it has produced ever in one pull. I am still going to take out the rings from the middle but I am glad I have caught something with it, it hasn't paid for itself yet but I can see it turning.
By the way does anyone ever use polywogs for bait? How would you ever hook them?
You can't use polywogs for bait. :nono:
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You can't use polywogs for bait. :nono:
why not? Against the law? ??? Or the cusk just won't hit em when you are jigging for them in the middle of the day ;D
Live Bait Restrictions. The following are legal baitfish for fishing: Smelt, Lake chub, Eastern silvery minnow, Golden shiner, Emerald shiner, Bridle shiner, Common shiner, Blacknose shiner, Spottail shiner, Northern redbelly dace, Finescale dace, Fathead minnow, Blacknose dace, Longnose dace, Creek chub, Fallfish, Pearl dace, Banded killifish, Mummichog, Longnose sucker, White sucker, Creek chubsucker, and American eel. Any species of fish not listed above may not be used as bait for fishing in inland waters.
I have seen them in the bait tanks at my dealer but have never thought to ask.
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why not? Against the law? ??? Or the cusk just won't hit em when you are jigging for them in the middle of the day ;D
Live Bait Restrictions. The following are legal baitfish for fishing: Smelt, Lake chub, Eastern silvery minnow, Golden shiner, Emerald shiner, Bridle shiner, Common shiner, Blacknose shiner, Spottail shiner, Northern redbelly dace, Finescale dace, Fathead minnow, Blacknose dace, Longnose dace, Creek chub, Fallfish, Pearl dace, Banded killifish, Mummichog, Longnose sucker, White sucker, Creek chubsucker, and American eel. Any species of fish not listed above may not be used as bait for fishing in inland waters.
I have seen them in the bait tanks at my dealer but have never thought to ask.
A polywog isn't a fish!! :-\
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A polywog isn't a fish!! :-\
Niether is a worm, they are alive and people use them all of the time, I highlighted the fish because I think that they are restricting the kind of fish that you can use. I would think that frogs, worms, polywogs, crickets... would all be classified as the not fish and thus usable for live bait. Maybe I am just stupid?
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Not sure why you couldn't use one, I've done it in the summer and caught some really big bass on them.
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why not? Against the law? ??? Or the cusk just won't hit em when you are jigging for them in the middle of the day ;D
And like he has NEVER hooked on a Alewive after its been spit up by a cusk and send it back down the hole for another cusk!! ;)2
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stupid question here...do u feed your bait and if so what????????????? :tipup: ;D
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somehting starnge happened today to my bait that ive never seen before. ive kept my own bait for my whole life and i havnt changed a thing and this morning i went down to check on them and there were about a dozen zippin around on their sides and a handfull laying on their sides on the bottom. i was pretty bummed out cuz ive never lost many bait at all especially all at once. i left them and figured i would dig them out when i got back home around noon. i went down and they were all up and swimmin arouind again? what do ya think?
-Brandon
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stupid question here...do u feed your bait and if so what????????????? :tipup: ;D
No!!
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somehting starnge happened today to my bait that ive never seen before. ive kept my own bait for my whole life and i havnt changed a thing and this morning i went down to check on them and there were about a dozen zippin around on their sides and a handfull laying on their sides on the bottom. i was pretty bummed out cuz ive never lost many bait at all especially all at once. i left them and figured i would dig them out when i got back home around noon. i went down and they were all up and swimmin arouind again? what do ya think?
-Brandon
Are they in your basement?
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somehting starnge happened today to my bait that ive never seen before. ive kept my own bait for my whole life and i havnt changed a thing and this morning i went down to check on them and there were about a dozen zippin around on their sides and a handfull laying on their sides on the bottom. i was pretty bummed out cuz ive never lost many bait at all especially all at once. i left them and figured i would dig them out when i got back home around noon. i went down and they were all up and swimmin arouind again? what do ya think?
-Brandon
Too cold
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sounds like they went into shock
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sounds like they went into shock
That's what I was thinking, if my basement gets too warm, that happens to mine!!!
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MDH, they are in my insulated bulkhead, same place ive always kept 'em.
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somehting starnge happened today to my bait that ive never seen before. ive kept my own bait for my whole life and i havnt changed a thing and this morning i went down to check on them and there were about a dozen zippin around on their sides and a handfull laying on their sides on the bottom. i was pretty bummed out cuz ive never lost many bait at all especially all at once. i left them and figured i would dig them out when i got back home around noon. i went down and they were all up and swimmin arouind again? what do ya think?
-Brandon
possum bait ..... good for nothing SOB
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sounds like they went into shock
into shock from what, they have been in there over a month, no changes and the temps are very stable. water and air.
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Nitrogen poisoning . Without filtering the water . Fish poop....Nitrogen raises..fish die. Always change water alot. Treat water to get rid of clorine if you use tap water.
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Nitrate,Nitrite,Amonia levels can all cause the fish to go into shock. If they go from warm to really cold they'll go into shock and most times they'll come out of it if you've got really strong bait. Sometimes one fish if its sick and goes into shock will give off chemical signals to the other fish and can cause them to freak out.
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i have a really good filter system, used the same method for 25 years and my dad did the same before that so im ruling that out plus water temp is 33-37degrees all the time so there is minimal waste anyhow. i do use town water and i always have w/ no issue what so ever. also ive never changed my water ever before. if its crystal clear and stays cold why bother?? there is plenty of oxygen being pumped in. they are fine now but it had me scratchin my head for sure. i was plannin on another 30 dozen tomarrow night.....i guess ill see what the morning brings.
thanks.
-Brandon
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Nitrate,Nitrite,Amonia levels can all cause the fish to go into shock. If they go from warm to really cold they'll go into shock and most times they'll come out of it if you've got really strong bait. Sometimes one fish if its sick and goes into shock will give off chemical signals to the other fish and can cause them to freak out.
now that is something i didnt know. this makes sense cuz they were zippin around like darts! i wonder if some of the bait i tossed back in from monday were a little numb???? like i said, clean clear cold water w/ tons of oxygen. same setup we have used for years.
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Im catching alot of good shiners in the pond I'm trapping, but I'm catching just as many sunfish. It might be dumb but what I do I do with them? Just throw a 100 fish on the ice? Or put them back in the pond again to take out of the trap the next day?
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ice em!
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Feed da birds ;D
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get your dealers licese frezze dry them and sell them to the southern boys!
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Sell them for what?
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Sell them for what?
they use them in the southern states for catfish
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Went and checked the traps this morning, I usually get a dozen bait every few days, 21 is the most I have ever had and I pulled 58 shiners ;D. Most all of them in the same trap. I could not believe it. I basically doubled my inventory in one day. I kept moving them and changing the depths, the percistence paid off, and yes, I moved another trap over close to it at the same depth.
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Too cold
Really, I don't know about that. They live in very cold water, so how cold could his water be? I would guess they are often in close to freezing water. IMHO ;)
My guess is ick(sp?) or some other viral/bacterial issue. Maybe amonia build up. Could cost you the whole lot. I sure hope it's nothing, maybe they were just playing a game... ;D
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i don't know if this is what you are talking about, but i have about 4 or 5 dace in my tank that are "rolling" on their sides and what not. other than that, they are fine, as well as my other bait. water is perfect too.
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yep thats what they are doing. i did have a couple dead ones but the rest go in and out of it. i did notice tonight though i have some current in my water, elec. current. i think my pond pump is cracked from last year or it has a short somewheres. im gonna buy a new one when i get in town. wiould this current in the water play games w/ them?? makes sense to me that it could.
-Brandon
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I'm sure the electric current didnt help anything. But the water should be changed or flushed frequently or you will get a toxic buildup in the water
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all are swimming fine now. water temp is 36*, air temp is 44*just. water is crystal clear and my filters are just starting to turn brown. ill swap them out tomarrow. i have never had to change water in the past only add some if i steal it for my bait bucket in the morningsut a gallon and a half out of 100 gal. isnt much water swapping to me. funny thing i im running half the bait i normally do w/ only 45 dozen....
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i don't know if this is what you are talking about, but i have about 4 or 5 dace in my tank that are "rolling" on their sides and what not. other than that, they are fine, as well as my other bait. water is perfect too.
Once in a while I'll find bait that appears to have had a rough time in or getting into the trap as you can see bare patches where they have lost some scales. Once they lose scales I would imagine they are susceptible to ick or any other disease/bacteria (at least they are when water temperatures are above 50 degrees). Any time I see those rolling on their sides, they get chucked so they don't contaminate the rest.
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Went and checked the traps this morning, I usually get a dozen bait every few days, 21 is the most I have ever had and I pulled 58 shiners ;D. Most all of them in the same trap. I could not believe it. I basically doubled my inventory in one day. I kept moving them and changing the depths, the percistence paid off, and yes, I moved another trap over close to it at the same depth.
WTG sounds like you found the secret to success.
I am thinking of painting our black trap Red just to see if it works any better, even if we only catch one fish it's more then it's caught already.
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Does anyone feed their bait? if not how long can you keep bait alive with no food? My water is clean,cold and plenty of O2. thanks for any help
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Don't feed your bait! The more you feed them the harder it is to keep the tank clean
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Does anyone feed their bait? if not how long can you keep bait alive with no food? My water is clean,cold and plenty of O2. thanks for any help
Yes feed your bait gold fish flakes, ounce per week I do this because I keep mine outside if I dont, they get real skinney and they dont swim right. I like hardy shinners and they stay fat as long as I feed them. Just a few extra water changes.. Worth it.Been doing this for 20 years same thing.. ;D
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Yes feed your bait gold fish flakes, ounce per week I do this because I keep mine outside if I dont, they get real skinney and they dont swim right. I like hardy shinners and they stay fat as long as I feed them. Just a few extra water changes.. Worth it.Been doing this for 20 years same thing.. ;D
they eat fish flakes? I have roughly 1000 goldens and I'll have to feed them something if I want them all to live. Lol
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they eat fish flakes? I have roughly 1000 goldens and I'll have to feed them something if I want them all to live. Lol
Thats what I have is goldens, if you have large ones feed them 2 big pinches of flakes instead of one. :)
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they're mixed I do have some big ones in there though heh
that's only a pic of half my tank
(http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc412/basstracker25/IMAG0137.jpg)
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I think that I finally have this thing figured out, three days ago, I had moved a trap to a new spot, pulled 5 doven, moved another trap over there, yesterday, pulled 9 dozen, moved a third trap over ther, today I pulled 24 dozen, yes 291 shiners! I brought home 2 of the traps and left the black trap painted white(had no fish at all today) and put it in one of the holes that had all of the fish in it.
I am statring to wohder if it is just a bad trap? makes you wonder, it looks just like the galvanized traps just dipped in something. I am going to screw around with that trap for a while to see what I have to do to get it to catch fish, I am a mechanical test engineer, it is what I do. I may try another color next.
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I think that I finally have this thing figured out, three days ago, I had moved a trap to a new spot, pulled 5 doven, moved another trap over there, yesterday, pulled 9 dozen, moved a third trap over ther, today I pulled 24 dozen, yes 291 shiners! I brought home 2 of the traps and left the black trap painted white(had no fish at all today) and put it in one of the holes that had all of the fish in it.
I am statring to wohder if it is just a bad trap? makes you wonder, it looks just like the galvanized traps just dipped in something. I am going to screw around with that trap for a while to see what I have to do to get it to catch fish, I am a mechanical test engineer, it is what I do. I may try another color next.
We haven't tried our Black trap in a few years as it was a waste of time, but you were giving me hope when you painted yours, so keep us posted.
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So I went through all of my bait and got rid of a bunch of the bait that was too small and found several of these fish, I am not too good at fish identification, I went through the IFW's identification picture and can not tell what it is, the picture does not show all of the blue in this fish, Any ideas? Blue gill, sunfish?
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k499/Joel_Udy/8jan12047.jpg)
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I can't tell by the picture, does it have a gill plate?
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whatever it is, it is illegal to use as bait.
maybe a baby sunfish?
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So I went through all of my bait and got rid of a bunch of the bait that was too small and found several of these fish, I am not too good at fish identification, I went through the IFW's identification picture and can not tell what it is, the picture does not show all of the blue in this fish, Any ideas? Blue gill, sunfish?
(http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k499/Joel_Udy/8jan12047.jpg)
Baby blue gill...see the dark vertical bars on the body.
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So I went through all of my bait and got rid of a bunch of the bait that was too small and found several of these fish, I am not too good at fish identification, I went through the IFW's identification picture and can not tell what it is, the picture does not show all of the blue in this fish, Any ideas? Blue gill, sunfish?
Baby Bluegill, especially if you trapped in Lake Arrowhead or got a permit for Little Ossipee River.
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I'd say bluegill too. Definitely some type of panfish
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Bluegill
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I googled bluegill pictures and I think you are all right, I will toss it back next time I go. I do my traping in a beaver bog, a little surprising they are in there.
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if its a bluegill, kill it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's an invasive species.
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I caught about 150 redbreasted sunfish in the same trap and place that's produced me hundreds of shiners just the other day
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I googled bluegill pictures and I think you are all right, I will toss it back next time I go. I do my traping in a beaver bog, a little surprising they are in there.
KILL IT!!!!!!!!
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Trouble by the Bucketful
That’s what the illegal introduction of exotic species brings to Maine’s waters.
Some thoughtless individuals are attempting to destroy the future of Maine’s native
fisheries. These non-sportsmen illegally stock the type of fish they prefer to catch,
without regard for the environmental havoc they inflict on the resource. Illegal stocking
selfishly denies the people of Maine the right to decide what is best for our waters.
Please help fight this serious problem.
• It is illegal to transport live fish without a permit.
• It is illegal to dump unused baitfish into any waterway.
• There is a $10,000 fine for a conviction of illegal
stocking.
• Always keep your ears and eyes open for those
who are committing these senseless acts.
The above was cut and pasted from the IFW rule book.
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I hope this works- What kind of bait fish is this? thanks
(http://www.stripersonline.com/image/id/2751342/width/600/height/450/flags/LL)
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if its a bluegill, kill it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's an invasive species.
Got it, going to kill them now on, like I said, I did not know what kind of fish it even was, I am not about to spread a species around that is not wanted.
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that one looks like an emerald shiner to me.
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Mainute,
Just don't want ya getting smacked with that 10k fine if your busted. If your ever in doubt you can always contact your local warden.
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Trouble by the Bucketful
That’s what the illegal introduction of exotic species brings to Maine’s waters.
Some thoughtless individuals are attempting to destroy the future of Maine’s native
fisheries. These non-sportsmen illegally stock the type of fish they prefer to catch,
without regard for the environmental havoc they inflict on the resource. Illegal stocking
selfishly denies the people of Maine the right to decide what is best for our waters.
Please help fight this serious problem.
• It is illegal to transport live fish without a permit.
• It is illegal to dump unused baitfish into any waterway.
• There is a $10,000 fine for a conviction of illegal
stocking.
• Always keep your ears and eyes open for those
who are committing these senseless acts.
The above was cut and pasted from the IFW rule book.
What type of permit do you have to have to transport live bait for personal use?
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What type of permit do you have to have to transport live bait for personal use?
Nothing!! :-\
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Mainute,
Just don't want ya getting smacked with that 10k fine if your busted. If your ever in doubt you can always contact your local warden.
No problem, I did not even think to kill it until I read here that it was an invasive species. Or are you comenting on me putting the small ones (all shiners) back? Because I don't remember doing that anymore ;)
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(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6670379293_b943cb9caf_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54503133@N05/6670379293/)
IMG_0224 1.psd (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54503133@N05/6670379293/) by chrisminmaine (http://www.flickr.com/people/54503133@N05/), on Flickr
I assume this is a dace? Can someone confirm? It is about 1 1/2 inches long.
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(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6670379293_b943cb9caf_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54503133@N05/6670379293/)
IMG_0224 1.psd (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54503133@N05/6670379293/) by chrisminmaine (http://www.flickr.com/people/54503133@N05/), on Flickr
I assume this is a dace? Can someone confirm? It is about 1 1/2 inches long.
nope it aint there junk fish. send them ll to me ;)
ahahaha kidding yes its a dace!
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Look at the eyeball on that thing. :o
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they use them in the southern states for catfish
be carfull, as by law, only baitfish are legal to take by trap with a recreational fishing license, which means sunfish have to be released. Make sure if your in a visible place that your not leaving a pile of dead fish on the ice, because a gamewarden will figure you out real fast. I have this friend, and when this friend catches any undesirable fish, he stomps on em and sends them back down the hole.
-Dylan
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has anyone tried this, and what were the results?
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blacknose dace -- they're hardy and great for trout in my experience.
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I've been throwing the sunfish back. But the last few times I check my traps it's been 100% shiners. I figured out that when I pull the trap and check bait daily and replace the dog food that's when I get all the sunfish. If I let the dog food sit for 2-3 day it's all shiners.
Make any sense to anyone?
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I've been throwing the sunfish back. But the last few times I check my traps it's been 100% shiners. I figured out that when I pull the trap and check bait daily and replace the dog food that's when I get all the sunfish. If I let the dog food sit for 2-3 day it's all shiners.
Make any sense to anyone?
the sunfish may be getting out and the shiners get stuck. Shiners aren't too bright lol.
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I don't believe the sunfish are getting out. You should see how many I was getting. Now none at all. Trust me I'm not complaining about it though.
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You don't need a permit to transport bait fish, What the rule is talking about and what I was talking about was the transporting of the bluegills that Mainute was catching in his bait traps. Mainute was thinking about just bringing them back and releasing them. So then he would be in violation of transporting live fish with out a permit, and to top it off an invasive species at that. A 10k fine if he is caught.
I had a copy of the permit to transport live fish at one point in time as well as a stocking permit. I'll see if I can dig it up somewhere. I want to say it was $26 to get a stocking permit.
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That looks like a black nose dace, I've gotten a few of those in my traps as well. They are good bait, hardy and swim well.
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I think that I finally have this thing figured out, three days ago, I had moved a trap to a new spot, pulled 5 doven, moved another trap over there, yesterday, pulled 9 dozen, moved a third trap over ther, today I pulled 24 dozen, yes 291 shiners! I brought home 2 of the traps and left the black trap painted white(had no fish at all today) and put it in one of the holes that had all of the fish in it.
I am statring to wohder if it is just a bad trap? makes you wonder, it looks just like the galvanized traps just dipped in something. I am going to screw around with that trap for a while to see what I have to do to get it to catch fish, I am a mechanical test engineer, it is what I do. I may try another color next.
Cut the ring out of the entry way. I think the smooth ring that is welded in there allows them to swim out easily. The galvy traps just have exposed cut ends of the wire that make it difficult to swim out. I don't think that it is color at all. The few people that I know that are successful with black traps do not have that ring in the two holes.
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Link to the Maine IFW website for bait fish species and identification
http://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing/species/identification/baitfish.htm
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Of course I had to say I was getting no sunfish. So today when I checked I had 1 shiner, 2 dace, an 100 sunfish. Time for new bait and try again I guess
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did you kill em?
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Nope not my pond. The owner is kinda iffy about having me trap his pond, so I try not to mass murder fish on the Ice. I just throw them back in on the other side of the pond
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Throw them on the ice or you're going to have and even bigger problem next year!!
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Again not my pond. Don't want to irritate the owner. I think he had some bad run ins with previous people getting bait. There is 3 ponds to pick from so I can deal with a few sunfish here and there.
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I use to trap and sell bait 10 years ago. I hardly ever caught any sunfish. The last few times I traped some for my own personal use the traps were loaded with them. I say kill'em all.
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(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6670379293_b943cb9caf_b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54503133@N05/6670379293/)
IMG_0224 1.psd (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54503133@N05/6670379293/) by chrisminmaine (http://www.flickr.com/people/54503133@N05/), on Flickr
I assume this is a dace? Can someone confirm? It is about 1 1/2 inches long.
Looks kinda like a female Red Belly dace.
Whatever they are, Ive trapped quite a few.
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Thanks for the 2nd opinions on the dace. I have been catching several dozen in my trap, and I'm glad they're a decent bait fish.
Thanks.
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As I was looking around today I found the link for the fish stocking permit. Here it is
http://www.maine.gov/ifw/licenses_permits/pdfs/APPLICATION_PERMIT_STOCK_PRIVATE_POND_0511.pdf
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I just pulled my traps for the last time this season(3 dozen shiners). Anybody else feel like it's over after this storm? ???
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I hope its not over, my bait traps are the only way i can catch fish lately :)
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Pulled all my bait traps today, I think I'm done catching bait for the rest of the season. I think this storm will be like all the others rain/snow and then cold temps to lock it back up again.
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need some help guys.... im trappin this pond that i've trapped since the summer time... the other day I trapped 3 dozen out of 4 traps... the past two times I pulled them I have gotten 10 minnows out of 5 traps.... i've been screwin around with depth, but I cant seem to find them... in the summer time they're breaking the surface for food... this place is PACKED with minnows.... only about 8 feet deep..... cant find em -- any suggestions?
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I would try just under the ice. Literally just below the ice. And probably carpet bomb the pond with bait traps. If I was catching them all summer and now its starting to taper off I would put a few extra traps in there, and see if someone is messing with them.
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need some help guys.... im trappin this pond that i've trapped since the summer time... the other day I trapped 3 dozen out of 4 traps... the past two times I pulled them I have gotten 10 minnows out of 5 traps.... i've been screwin around with depth, but I cant seem to find them... in the summer time they're breaking the surface for food... this place is PACKED with minnows.... only about 8 feet deep..... cant find em -- any suggestions?
I agree right under the ice. You may want to try a different bait in your traps
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just under the ice is where I have had them.... and nobody is messin with them, its my buddys pond and private... i have not put any on the bottom though -- i have been gettin way too many tad poles... I will def try it. there are some weeds that I put a trap near today, just under the ice -- there's also a dock, should be droppin traps near that dock? been usin white bread.... any suggestions??
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just under the ice is where I have had them.... and nobody is messin with them, its my buddys pond and private... i have not put any on the bottom though -- i have been gettin way too many tad poles... I will def try it. there are some weeds that I put a trap near today, just under the ice -- there's also a dock, should be droppin traps near that dock? been usin white bread.... any suggestions??
Dog food, the cheaper the better.
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I like a 50/50 mix of saltines and dry cat/dog food. I crush about half of the saltines before I put them in the trap to help get the "stink" out into the water column. I have also had great luck on cheese nips.
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so here's a question..... i set em at night, and check them the next night... ive heard that during the day they leave the trap, and then come back at night.... truth to this rumor?
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so here's a question..... i set em at night, and check them the next night... ive heard that during the day they leave the trap, and then come back at night.... truth to this rumor?
I would say no. Because of how the trap is configured, they can't really find their way out in any sort of numbers I would think. They have no reason to leave, no predators can get them and there's food. If you disturb them by pulling the trap and not taking them out, I've heard that they will become panicked and really try to find their way out but I don't pull the trap just to check it. When I pull the trap they are going in the bucket regardless of numbers.
I usually leave my traps in for 72+ hours and have never checked them at night. It's just too dangerous to be out on thin ice alone, early season, when they are trapping well.
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just under the ice is where I have had them.... and nobody is messin with them, its my buddys pond and private... i have not put any on the bottom though -- i have been gettin way too many tad poles... I will def try it. there are some weeds that I put a trap near today, just under the ice -- there's also a dock, should be droppin traps near that dock? been usin white bread.... any suggestions??
I am catching them a foot under the ice right now, dogfood in a mesh bag suspended in the middle, haven't changed it in a week and still catching them.so here's a question..... i set em at night, and check them the next night... ive heard that during the day they leave the trap, and then come back at night.... truth to this rumor?
I thought that the theory behind the trap is that they can't figure out how to get out so they can't leave. I personally think that is why the black traps don't work, they have a big bullseye that says "get out here." I am checking my traps in the morning sisnce I am on night shift.
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need some help guys.... im trappin this pond that i've trapped since the summer time... the other day I trapped 3 dozen out of 4 traps... the past two times I pulled them I have gotten 10 minnows out of 5 traps.... i've been screwin around with depth, but I cant seem to find them... in the summer time they're breaking the surface for food... this place is PACKED with minnows.... only about 8 feet deep..... cant find em -- any suggestions?
In the past i have gone to deeper water(8-10')/center of pond that i trap on. this year i set a few close to shore in 3-4' of water and got better results. some of the shore traps where getting 3-4+ dozen in 24-48 hrs per trap, where as in the middle i was lucky to see that many out of 4 or 5 traps. Seemed like it would fish well for maybe a week then shut off so i would move it to a new spot. I set a trap about 8' from the first trap that did well closer to shore. That trap caught a couple bait and a couple dozen out of the original, and this was consistent for about 5 or 6 times, so id say the can be in a pretty small area. Id say keep leap frogging them around the pond short distances or like some one else mentioned load it with traps. Also if you find a good hole drop 2 traps in the same hole. I use the English muffin for bait, i heard it was from the extra oils in the muffins, so i took a marinade injector and injected the muffin with some bacon grease just warm enough to suck up with the injector. It did do a little better, but i only tried it a week before pulling all my traps so its hard to say, but an easy try. I also tried a few cloverleaf traps toward the end . They are a nice design and worked well, id suggest giving them a try
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Mark them well... you know how "helpful" the snow can be... ::)
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So true grumpy. Our last snow storm I think I spent like 30 minutes shuffling my feet around in the general vacinaty before I found my grade stake I laid accross the hole.
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I pulled my traps yesterday as well, it was time, getting more and more chubs and suckers, less and less shiners. :tipup:
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I would love to get into a mess of big chubs and some suckers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Got lots of shiners and dace
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I found a little private bog to try. Danny and I put in a couple traps day before the storm, and he's all excited to go check em today and see if we got any. :unsure: :thumbsup:
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Good Luck tiny, I'm sure Danny will catch a mess of em. That kid can fish.
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I have done a search on salt in my bait tank I only have shiners and I'm on a well how much do I add per gallon ? can I use kosher salt ? I have plenty since I gave up adding salt to my food after I had the big HA. Some posts say add a little one guy said 1 cup for 12 gallons but he was keeping river run shad my tote is 15 gallons with a WallyWorld aquarium filter pump and aerator bait looks active and healthy.
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Probably about a tablespoon.
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I found a little private bog to try. Danny and I put in a couple traps day before the storm, and he's all excited to go check em today and see if we got any. :unsure: :thumbsup:
Well, we got a few, not as good as I'd hoped for, but at least we now know they are in there, just have to experiment till we find more. :)
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This year was doomed as far as bait trapping. I was saved last weekend when I happened upon a trapped school of mummichog now I'm all stocked up. Turned them into about a dozen crappie on the jigrod this morning before the cold got to us. Really like these tommies!
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This year was doomed as far as bait trapping. I was saved last weekend when I happened upon a trapped school of mummichog now I'm all stocked up. Turned them into about a dozen crappie on the jigrod this morning before the cold got to us. Really like these tommies!
that's what I'm going for next . I have a tip on a spot I need to check out . I hope to get a few tommies to try with my shiners
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Well, we got a few, not as good as I'd hoped for, but at least we now know they are in there, just have to experiment till we find more. :)
WTG Tiny
I sent you a PM
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I have done a search on salt in my bait tank I only have shiners and I'm on a well how much do I add per gallon ? can I use kosher salt ? I have plenty since I gave up adding salt to my food after I had the big HA. Some posts say add a little one guy said 1 cup for 12 gallons but he was keeping river run shad my tote is 15 gallons with a WallyWorld aquarium filter pump and aerator bait looks active and healthy.
Table salt is fine but make sure you get salt WITHOUT iodine.
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Thanks guys, kosher salt doesn't have iodine, I don't want pickled shiners. This is my first year keeping bait it sure is nice being able to go down cellar to load the bait bucket and not having to fire up the chainsaw on the pond out back and throw in the traps every time I want to go fishing.
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Thanks guys, kosher salt doesn't have iodine, I don't want pickled shiners. This is my first year keeping bait it sure is nice being able to go down cellar to load the bait bucket and not having to fire up the chainsaw on the pond out back and throw in the traps every time I want to go fishing.
Gunn308 look at the bottom of page 2 of this thread . If you have a pond out back then thats what you need to keep bait in . Trouble free system for sure.
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I would say no. Because of how the trap is configured, they can't really find their way out in any sort of numbers I would think. They have no reason to leave, no predators can get them and there's food. If you disturb them by pulling the trap and not taking them out, I've heard that they will become panicked and really try to find their way out but I don't pull the trap just to check it. When I pull the trap they are going in the bucket regardless of numbers.
I usually leave my traps in for 72+ hours and have never checked them at night. It's just too dangerous to be out on thin ice alone, early season, when they are trapping well.
Well thats not always the case they can find there way out almost as easy as they get in. As far as predators ive was finding eels in my traps as well as some other bait trappers here. Somtime there still in the trap somtimes not. Been a good year for catching eels through the ice
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I was digging bloodworms yesterday morning and stumbled across a pile of those mummichogs. Sevral other digger are going to bring coolers tomorow to fetch up a good bunch. I have never used them for bait but alot of my friends do. Im a coastal transplant from up north so not used to these types of bait. Always been a smelt or green back guy and dase for perch and pickeral.
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How late in the season do you guy's keep trapping? Is there a point when they aren't active?
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my grandfather would keep his mummichogs/chubs in just a few inches of water. he says they drown in deeper tank with shinners. That is if you store them for longer period of time. if u have a bunch of them, they cloud up the water quality because of low water volume... so change their water several times, keep shallow , no airator, they should keep good. Gramp said they would put the mummys in moss wraped in foil and no water carry them in pocket all day , they live fine! @)
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I made a thread over in the bait section of the board about how I made my black trap catch bait. here is the link. thought you may be interested.http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=213314.0 (http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=213314.0) that is it for me. I am done trapping for the season. I have enough.
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looks good. Ive got a black one like that but never had the ring around the hole. if i ever get around to using it again im going to paint it.
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looks good. Ive got a black one like that but never had the ring around the hole. if i ever get around to using it again im going to paint it.
In my opinion I don't think the paint made a difference. I was thinking of painting it back to black to see if it did but I don't need any more bait.
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I have seen the difference in the colour of my traps.
My black one gets only a couple of minnows in it everytime, my galvanized one does good but my rusty old one does the best.
No rings in any of them.
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This year was doomed as far as bait trapping. I was saved last weekend when I happened upon a trapped school of mummichog now I'm all stocked up. Turned them into about a dozen crappie on the jigrod this morning before the cold got to us. Really like these tommies!
I like mummies as well. They are very hardy staying alive for a long time and swim slow but lively, I catch a lot of rainbows on them, not too mention everything else.One of my favorite all around live baits even during open water season as there "hardiness" allows you to cast them out a few times without them dying!!
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I have a 30gal cooler in my woodshed at camp with a aerator in it. It works but I am constantly changing the water and with these colder temps it ices up badly. So,today I stoped into Pet-Co in Bangor. I bought a 150 watt tank heater and a 50 gal Bio filter, NEXX Filter. This should keep the bait much better. The NEXX filter seems to be ideal as if you need more filtration you can buy another one or two or three and stack them. After using bio filters in lobster tanks for years this should work well. I'll let you know how it works out. ;D
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Sounds good, just make sure the heater doesn't keep it too warm.
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Roger that on the bio filters,i love mine once the bennificial bacteria takes hold it will stay crystal clear,good luck.I use a heater also but i only have about a inch of the heater in the tank,i see they have ajustable heaters now which is handy.
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I will only use the heater when the temp is below 10 deg and iceing occurs in the tank.
I went to camp sunday night there was a ton of ice in the tank/cooler. I put the heater in and the monday am it was all gone so I turned it off. Then I got the bio filter fired up. Man what a great set up :thumbsup: the water cleared right up and has a good amount of current. The smelts and shiners are at the bottom of the tank and doing very well. I am hoping this tank will hold 20+ dozen of smelt and keep them for weeks if needed. If not we will go bigger and better :flex:. Bait and gas to buy bait gets costly so I really need the best set up I can get. Its tough because we have no where to buy smelts within 50 miles on here so.
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The worst thing I had while keep the cooler out on the porch was the stones freezing up. I cure that by keeping the air pump inside and burying the cooler in snow. I did have to break out the ice a couple times a week and add water.This year is different because there is no snow, ice or need for bait. :'(
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This is the filter I used
http://www.petco.com/product/115812/API-nexx-Aquarium-FILTER.aspx
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get a working chest freezer plug it into a timer set for 2 hrs on low it will keep you bait like they are on steroid's with good filtration of coarse.
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Just worried that your filter will freeze up and burn out your pump.
I bought a submersible pump that troughs off just enough heat to keep it from freezing up. No ice in my chest freezer just a little crystallizing on the cracked open lid. Its been - 37 C to -40 C here for the last couple of nights.
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Just worried that your filter will freeze up and burn out your pump.
I bought a submersible pump that troughs off just enough heat to keep it from freezing up. No ice in my chest freezer just a little crystallizing on the cracked open lid. Its been - 37 C to -40 C here for the last couple of nights.
I was concerned about that as well but the guy at Pet-Co said as long as the water is moving it will not freeze. He said there are a few guys with this set up and they say its the best. Time will tell.
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I have a timer on mine programmed to run a half hour on then three and ahalf off six times a day.Keeps at 36-38 degrees.
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I have a timer on mine programmed to run a half hour on then three and ahalf off six times a day.Keeps at 36-38 degrees.
Do you have a filter set up like this? What keeps the water that cold? I want to rig it so it also keeps the water cool apr-july.
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i just use the chest freezer on a timer with a statue pump connected to a sprayerbar.the spraybar is inside a 3" clear tube wraped in blanket stuffing and activated carbon and then Tye wrapped to the spraybar.two 3" rubber end caps seal this make a good filter and pumps 400 gph
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Same setup as lobsterman.I have my chest freezer plugged into the timer with a hang on filter and airaeters.If you don't have the filter running the water will get alot colder.I made small adjustments to my times until I got it stabil.
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I have had this set up now for almost 1 week and I could not be happier ;D. I reused some smelts 4 days in a row until they got consumed by Mr. Salmon. The water is crystal clear and I have not lost 1 bait. It will be interssting how it works at -0. ???
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Just traded XXL Bait....
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/newell-34/Ice%20Fishing%202012/0126121741.jpg)
For some Brookie and Brown Candy....
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/newell-34/Ice%20Fishing%202012/SANY2396.jpg)
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/newell-34/Ice%20Fishing%202012/SANY2397.jpg)
SO I think I am ALL set for bait for the rest of the year..... MAYBE!! ;)2
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/newell-34/Ice%20Fishing%202012/SANY2398.jpg)
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MDH let me know if you need some more of those topsecret brookie/brown candies. I bet we could get you set up with your own topsecret spot to get some in a few years....
I would like to say thank you; to You MDH and Woodswise for hooking me up with some bait to fish for the cure.
FRESHBAIT
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Here's a question for everyone... in NY we need to have "certified" bait or the bait must come from the same water that you are fishing. How exactly will the DEC officer know if the bait you had actually came from that body of water if you trap your own?
We don't need to have "certified" bait.
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Most of our bait come from small farm ponds or beaver ponds or bog ponds.
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bought my first bait trap on saturday and put it in the water today. Hope i get some shiners.
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i have been trying to trap some bait for myself this year its not working out to good
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i use dog food for bait im all done traping for now got just over 1000 shinners i stop for a couple weeks
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what color trap did you buy i use silver ones i also build traps big traps
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what color trap did you buy i use silver ones i also build traps big traps
It doesn't matter the color!! :-\ Just if you bought a black one make sure the rings aren't on the inside hole, sometimes they have them in there, also I HIGHLY recommend bread with your dog food!!
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did you put it at are spot
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black ones are junk cant catch nothing in them and they rot out thats why i think but i also like to build my own traps i do good with them i usally get 100 to 200 per trap over night
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i agree the black ones are junk. Silver only way to go. I use cat food and they love it.
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i never tryed cat food but i should try it i think i do goo though at over 100 to 200 per trap over night i got a pond no one ever fishes or i dont know if it ever was fished before me
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:icefish: If you are going for the bigger shinners/suckers/chubs i usually make the hole bigger so you get more bigger bait than smaller but it all depends what your trappin.
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I gotta tell ya to not waiste your mony on a black trap,garbage!!!!!!!All I get in em is dace.
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Use kitten's paws for bait. ;)2
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black ones are junk cant catch nothing in them and they rot out thats why i think but i also like to build my own traps i do good with them i usally get 100 to 200 per trap over night
Well I guess I bait my hooks with nothing.... :-\
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/newell-34/Ice%20Fishing%202012/SANY2252.jpg)
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I trap with black and the silver ones. They trap about the same i think, I think it depends on wether or not there is bait in the area that you are trapping
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I trap with black and the silver ones. They trap about the same i think, I think it depends on wether or not there is bait in the area that you are trapping
Yeah you should know...you were catching Pike at the derby with nothing on your hook too!! ;)2
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/newell-34/Ice%20Fishing%202012/0126121741.jpg)
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Oh I remember that one, He got eaten up by a 10.38lb pike. ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Oh I remember that one, He got eaten up by a 10.38lb pike. ;D ;D ;D ;D
Man I guess those Black traps DO work!!! :o
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i am getting very few pike size bait in my traps recently. i had no problem earlier in the year but it has seemed to die down . any suggestions?
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I have a suggestion mr.fish dentist dont put them in Mercer bog @)
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Find a farm pond and put a big trap in there, or cut a big hole and use a drop net.
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a drop net sounds intriguing. how does that process work
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did you put it at are spot
No, I am trying the pond by my house I told you about. Not even sure if there are any bait fish in there. I am gonna try our pond this weekend.
I went to check the trap after school today and got nothing. I am trying a different spot on the pond now. Hope i'll have better luck this time.
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a drop net sounds intriguing. how does that process work
it involves droping a net... @)
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it involves droping a net... @)
and then picking it back up
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and then picking it back up
;D
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very helpfull. i would have been lost without those comments . what i meant was how big of a hole and how long you wait to pick it.
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very helpfull. i would have been lost without those comments . what i meant was how big of a hole and how long you wait to pick it.
just messing with you I have never used this method so sorry I cant help :(
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i have never even heard of it done threw the ice. sounds like it could be a illegal method haha
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Not illegal,but a lot of work.
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im not scared of the work . if it is worth it that is..
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Drill a hole as big as your net. Drop your net down. Create a chum slick (bread, dogfood) in the water. Wait a little while then haul the net up. If there are any baitfish in the pond you should be able to get them.
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sounds like it could be a fun method. where do they sell the nets
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sounds like it could be a fun method. where do they sell the nets
Any good sporting goods store sell seine nets.
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thankyou for the advice.
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How do you trap suckers, just a large trap or are there ones specifically made for it
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nothing special i have traped suckers in every type of trap homemade and the store bought cylinder traps. bore your holes out some on the cylinder traps if you are looking for good size suckers.
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They make and sell what is called an " UNBRELLA - NET ", it is about three or four foot square. hole in ice needs to be bigger, lower to bottom, bate with bread what, then lift up quickly, these at times to catch smelts.
Warbonnett
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I might have to try the net idea, somebody stole me and everybody elses bait traps out of the local honey hole >:(
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I might have to try the net idea, somebody stole me and everybody elses bait traps out of the local honey hole
i feel you on that one, that also happend to me and other locals in my home town.
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Yea the traps sure paid for themselves but its still a bunch of crap, all red fin shiners too, never caught anything else....is that common?
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Caught these with a black trap, just opened the holes some!!! :)
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/newell-34/Ice%20Fishing%202012/0126121741.jpg)
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sounds like a good spot too me. i am getting some big red fins but not enough to keep up with the demand
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I just didnt know if the redfins were common or not, i always used to buy bait and this is (was, currently no traps because they got stolen) my first year trapping. I never saw redfins at the local bait shop, then the first time i pulled my trap i said...HUH??? Thats all i had in it and ever caught. Do they work as good you think? Im guessing it depends on the fish targeted?
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redfins are wonderful bait for bass/ pike and everything else im sure in my opinion anyway. i have also never seen them at a bait shop either. i think the resoning is because alot of baitshops buy there shiners wholesale from fish farms. maybe redfins are harder to mass produce and grow in a non natural enviorment.
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:icefish:
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I think everyone is so dead set on shiners for bait, that it doesn't occur to them that there are lots of other types of bait fish that they can use.
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The only reason i use shiners is because its all i get in my trap....im not picky
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I use to only use shiners b/c thats what the bait shop had. now that I trap my own bait. I use what ever gets caught in the trap and is legal to use.
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I was hoping for some suckers to go up to sabattus with sometime soon, but none yet
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I tried trapping suckers this year and just couldn't seem to locate any. Finally just had to go buy some. Suckers and Dead smelts were the ticket up to sabattus when I was up there.
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Thanks for the tip ;) Im hoping to get up there soon to give it a try i have been letting them rest a little after the derby haha, i fished it once last year but was on foot so i wasn't fishing too far from the launch. Not one fish all day
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i traped all the suckers i got long before the ice arrived.
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what type of location should i set a few bait traps and what depth and bait buting bait is burning my walet and i need advise
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Bogs would be your best bet, and it depends on how big of shiners you want, try about a foot and a half of the ice and see what happens it has been workin for us gettin some nice red fin shiners!
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i dont know of any bogs :-\
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try any run offs from rivers,lakes, ect
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before you start setting traps in any rivers, streams, brooks, contact the wardens service and get the free permit to trap that water b/c rivers, streams, brooks are closed right now. Hate to see you get a ticket. Farm ponds are also a real good choice too. If you see a farm pond stop by and ask the landowner for permission to trap the pond. Most times they say yes sure, if they say I don't think there is anything in there, just ask do you mind if I try b/c alot of times birds will bring the eggs in on their feet. Set you traps and if you catch anything you've just got yourself your own private bait catching spot. I also will go and show the landowners the minnows, The couple that lets me trap their pond had the pond dug about 20yrs ago for their dairy farm. He never knew of any fish being in it, they gave me permission, and It was the glory holes of bait ponds, one trap will get all the bait that I will use and 3 of my friends will need and then some for an entire season. I showed the owner what I was catching and he was amazed. Also try golf courses, they have lots of water traps, and if you ask the greens keeper you will most likely be granted permission to walk only out on the course to the water hazards. Also housing developments always have some sort of a retaining pond alot of times shiners end up in there as well from the "birds" Look on google earth and look for small ponds/bog areas and go look for them and ask landowner permission. Go semi dressed up, this helps. remember first impressions, don't be affraid to offer up some spring cleanup assistance for use of the owners pond.
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if you know anyone with a farm pond, try there...thats where i got my shiners.
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also wade through "this years bait trapping thread" lots of good information in there.
Fire dept ponds too are also great. You know the ones that have the signs that say fire dept water supply only. Find the local fire dept/town that uses the pond and ask if you can put a trap in. Biggest hurdle is getting up the courage to knock on doors and be turned down by the owner. I think I knocked on 10 doors last year and got 3 to say yes, I went back to those same three this year and asked if I would still have permission to trap the pond again and all of them said yes. As I made my rounds check traps I shoveled their walkways/ driveways/ brought dog biscuits/ chew toys. Got to stay on the good side, I also picked up alot of trash from their yards along the roadside. It just shows that you care and appreciate the oportunity. Good Luck
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thanks alot for all the tip hopefuly ill find a spot or 2 thanks again tight lines ;D :tipup:
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my buddy said try a man made pond has anyone tryed one
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yes... that was what i was refering to. my uncle has a small trout pond loaded with goldens.
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Ya that would be a good idea to just make sure you get permission if its man made then someone owns it hahaha good luck
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Thats basically what I'm saying if its manmade, then its owned by someone. And most likely had some sort of bait fish "stocked" in thats why most people have a pond. Nothing worse than being out on a "pond" and then sitting in the back of a crown vic, with some nice chrome plated bracelets.
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Thats basically what I'm saying if its manmade, then its owned by someone. And most likely had some sort of bait fish "stocked" in thats why most people have a pond. Nothing worse than being out on a "pond" and then sitting in the back of a crown vic, with some nice chrome plated bracelets.
HAHAHAHAHAH that would suck,it might suck worse if you found out there was nothing in your trap lol :o
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i would also recomend trying to trap them before there is a foot + of ice next year.
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Ya we did great in the fall 10 times has much has we are gettin now!!
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Great Info here...
http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=202328.0 (http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=202328.0)
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Thats basically what I'm saying if its manmade, then its owned by someone. And most likely had some sort of bait fish "stocked" in thats why most people have a pond. Nothing worse than being out on a "pond" and then sitting in the back of a crown vic, with some nice chrome plated bracelets.
Most "owned" ponds, such as Condo Associations/Complexes, Industrial Park watersupply ponds, Golf course ponds as well as other privately owned ponds , are stocked with minnows,shiners for mosquito control. Some assocations got smart and stocked thier ponds with Bridle Shiner (illegal for use in NH).Morons still try to take them with traps ,illegally without permission. Such owners frown on you tresspassing ,for starters, then removing baitfish they paid for and stocked for the purpose of insect control. Not only would you loose your fishing license for a year (NH) ,you could be charged with theft as well as trespassing.
GET PERMISSION or go to the baitshop.
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If you trap on a river that is open to open water fishing year round you don't need the permit correct?
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If you trap on a river that is open to open water fishing year round you don't need the permit correct?
Go to your states FnG website and look. Ifya can`t find any information, look for contacts and email them your question. Asking what the rules and regualtions are on an online website is not an accurate way to determine legality. Telling the warden , Joe Smoe from IS.com said it was legal carries no weight. ;)
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I found a fire pond, decent size, on google maps early in the season and figured i would try trapping it, i took a ride down there and there were 6 traps in it already, so i figured its a pretty big pond i will throw a couple in. I did great over almost a 2 week span of trapping. Then went down one day to pull my traps and every hole in the pond was empty including mine! All the traps were gone, about 8-or-9. I knew one of the other guys trapping there so i contacted him and he said somebody went down there and stole them all. I guess its considered a development? Its a big horseshoe road and the pond is down the hill off the side. But i wouldnt consider it a complex, i even know people that live on the road. So i guess my rant is, do you think somebody stole them? Or do you think a home-owner got mad and took them out? I have heard of people trapping it for years. Just bummed i only have 14 little guys left in the tank, dont know if i should try again? Maybe a drop net so i dont have to leave it overnight? Thanks Guys
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most likely it was probably someone that was also trapping there, or a homeowner that got P.O'd and took them all out. Sorry for your loss man. You need to find a farm pond where you are the only one trapping it....
Although Dasrottweiler has geat points, his laws are differant in NH. In maine just ask permission to trap if its a privately owned pond, even in a developement. But if its in a fairly public place, people will see you tending to your bait trap and there fore they will/may steal your trap/bait out of the pond. Secluded and very private is the way to go. There are not to many honest people left in the world
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just wondering
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When I was a younger and in junior high, I had a good friend of mine that lived right next to the public golf course hole number 7 which has a water hazard. He would trap bait out of it and we would go fishing down to lake C with the bait that he caught out of the golf course pond. I haven't tried trapping the pond since I've grown up. I also don't know if he ever asked permission to trap bait out of either, I never asked and he never told. Just go ask, I think thats what I'm gonna do on friday.
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Asking permission isnt hard and sometimes can lead to more spots than the just the one you are checking on. If they say no, be polite and thank them for their time.
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as long as the body of water doesnt dry up in the summer or freeze solid in the winter,
there is a good chance that there will be something in it.
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that white snooty looking stuff on bait. how do you cure that?. i have some lat year when i was raising my own bait and i bleeched my tank and rinised it good and bleeched everything out but it was still there. what should be done if it arises again?
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The white spots on your fish may be caused by a protozoan commonly called "Ich" and pronounced "ick".
Check the following website for more info: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=16+2160&aid=2421[url]] (http://[/url) http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=16+2160&aid=2421http://
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http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=16+2160&aid=2421 (http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=16+2160&aid=2421)
Trying to insert the hyperlink properly this time.
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what is the biggest bait you ever got in your store bought bait trap? just wondering i enjoy trapping my own bait but havent really found any place around my home that produces any yet.....
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(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/newell-34/Ice%20Fishing%202012/0126121741.jpg)
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yup. right around that size is the biggest ive gotten as well MDH.
for shiners anyways.
ive got some 7" +/- chubs and suckers in the store bought traps
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what is the biggest bait you ever got in your store bought bait trap? just wondering i enjoy trapping my own bait but havent really found any place around my home that produces any yet.....
I'd like to start trapping my own.
I know I need a trap. But where do people usually put their bait traps.
I know in a pond. But what should I look for?
Also, what is used for.bait in a bait trap.
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I'd like to start trapping my own.
I know I need a trap. But where do people usually put their bait traps.
I know in a pond. But what should I look for?
Also, what is used for.bait in a bait trap.
Start reading!!! ;D
http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=202328.0 (http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=202328.0)
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I normally put it a foot off bottom.... and use old roy dry dog food.. small farm ponds and bogs always give me the best bait.
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i noticed the goldens i trapped from my spot are very light in coloration, almost completely silver, compared to the ones
i threw in my tank from the baitshop.... is this cause they have been in the tank? or just because of the body of water they came from?
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(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f330/GasBlaster21/102_0107.jpg)
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anyone know if its illigal to trap bait from a pond thats closed to ice fishing
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anyone know if its illigal to trap bait from a pond thats closed to ice fishing
You need a permit from IFnW to bait a closed pond.
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Are you guys still trapping good numbers of bait or does it slow down around these months? I was thinking of throwing a couple traps in
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i cant find a bog or small junk pond to trap can anyone share a spot through a PM :-\
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Are you guys still trapping good numbers of bait or does it slow down around these months? I was thinking of throwing a couple traps in
typically it slows down after Jan. Nov thru Jan are the best months to trap.
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when scouting some new ponds and bogs out how long do you let your trap soak for the first time in new waters?
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when scouting some new ponds and bogs out how long do you let your trap soak for the first time in new waters?
12 hours. If you don't have anything, it's time to move.
After mid-February, it is hard to trap bait...good luck.
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wow i was thinking about just letting it soak for like 2hrs max come check it to see if i had anything at all in it even one...then if i did i was going to return it the next day for the 12hr soak to get the numbers i want....what do you guys think? why is it harder to get bait late winter?
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wow i was thinking about just letting it soak for like 2hrs max come check it to see if i had anything at all in it even one...then if i did i was going to return it the next day for the 12hr soak to get the numbers i want....what do you guys think? why is it harder to get bait late winter?
I wish I had a technical explanation, but bait trapping seems to shut off. Even in a pond you KNOW has bait, it is tough to get anything in a trap. Does anyone have an educated explanation?
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Trapping is still good here....a good few dozen from 2 traps.... :flex:
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/newell-34/Ice%20Fishing%202012/0216121721.jpg)
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well im heading out to go soak a bait trap or two....have found a few good looking bogs that are short walks from the road that i found using google earth....hopefully turns something up....just going to let them soak for a few hours just to see if anythings in them...if it turns up good then im going to let them soak for the long haul to bring in some numbers....maybe post some pics later....
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I trapped so many this year I think I still have a couple hundred or even a thousand still swimming around the bait tank
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wow i was thinking about just letting it soak for like 2hrs max come check it to see if i had anything at all in it even one...then if i did i was going to return it the next day for the 12hr soak to get the numbers i want....what do you guys think? why is it harder to get bait late winter?
visited a sweet spot of mine today. 2 hour soak yielded 125 goldens... mostly mediums.
black trap didnt produce a dang thing. same spot.
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what do you guys use for bait? i put some bread in mine and soaked for 5 hours but didnt produce anything...i left them for a longer soak but just wondering what other bait options do i have?
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i used an even mix of cat and dog food. with a tad bit of bread. i dont think it would matter either way in my spot though.
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dry dog food and cat food
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so dog and cat food mixed? any brand better then the other? i have kibbles in bits for the dogs
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so dog and cat food mixed? any brand better then the other? i have kibbles in bits for the dogs
I get whatever they have at the dollar store for dry dog food.
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I throw an old stale hot dog bun/hamburger bun, then grab a small handfull of dogfood, and small handfull of catfood and throw it all in the trap. Works for me
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v700/FRESHBAIT/DSCN0008.jpg)
One trap maybe a couple hours of soak time
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im building a shiner trap out of coffee cans i think it will work
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This has been an awesome thread for me this year.
I would like to thank APJ, Duckhunter, Freshbait, etc for your quality posts this season. I do not know you, nor have ever talked with you, I do sinceely apprciate your help this year. Based on your posts I went out and trapped my bait, built a bait system, etc, and have not bought a single shiner all seasnon.
So, THANK YOU!!!! to APJ, MAINEDUCKHUNTER, FRESHBAIT, RUDE THE DUDE, COACH, ETC. I learned a lot from your posts and pics.
:clap:
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i have finished my coffee can trap i only used suplys i had around the house took me 2 hours mostly because i was looking for items to build it with i took 3 coffee cans and drilled holes in all of them and i wired them all together and i took 2 funnels and wired 1 funnen in and the other end i wired only half then i drilled a small hole took a heavy duty rubber band and a small hook and made a hole so the hook and go in the can holding the funnel shut and i undo the hook the get the shiners out its fun what you can make with just things around the house ;D :tipup:
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Glad to hear you guys are still getting good numbers. I think ill throw my traps in and see what happens
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ChrisMinMAine,
Your welcome, Before I started trapping bait I was spending hundreds of dollars if not maybe a Thousand on bait to fish everyseason. I go through alot of bait. I started out getting tips from the guys on here and then hit the ground running.
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i set my trap shallow i baited it with bread dry dog food im guna check it monday hopefuly
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i made 3 this last weekend and put them in a friends pond last night....got there at first light this morning and had around 8 dozen...made me very happy!!! good luck!!!
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i made 3 this last weekend and put them in a friends pond last night....got there at first light this morning and had around 8 dozen...made me very happy!!! good luck!!!
Interested to see a picture of the coffee can trap, how you made it and all. 8 dozen sounds pretty good. That is what I was getting from a galvanized trap.
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Interested to see a picture of the coffee can trap, how you made it and all. 8 dozen sounds pretty good. That is what I was getting from a galvanized trap.
yes... id like to see it as well.
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This has been an awesome thread for me this year.
I would like to thank APJ, Duckhunter, Freshbait, etc for your quality posts this season. I do not know you, nor have ever talked with you, I do sinceely apprciate your help this year. Based on your posts I went out and trapped my bait, built a bait system, etc, and have not bought a single shiner all seasnon.
So, THANK YOU!!!! to APJ, MAINEDUCKHUNTER, FRESHBAIT, RUDE THE DUDE, COACH, ETC. I learned a lot from your posts and pics.
:clap:
You are VERY WELCOME!! It will save you soooo much money and also, everyone will want to fish with you because you can provide bait, BUT I make buddies bring the Beer!! ;D :P
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i didnt make mine out of coffee cans...i made mine similar to the galvy traps....just bigger...i can take a pic when i go check them tomorrow....
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i set mine on saturday and havent checked it yet
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i set mine on saturday and havent checked it yet
WHY ??? I check mine daily!!
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i started a new job sunday and i didnt feel like doin anythin today so she still sits at the botom i might go haul her tommorrow i dont have a working camera to take a picture
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i started a new job sunday and i didnt feel like doin anythin today so she still sits at the botom i might go haul her tommorrow i dont have a working camera to take a picture
Sorry, I'm on vacation, so I totally forgot what day it was, I thought it was Saturday today, so I thought it was in there a WHOLE week!! :cookoo: :P I guess it hasn't been in there that long, Sorry!! :-\ ;D
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hahaha seems everyone's on vacation but the lakes are iceing out :%$#!:
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I've yet to see ich on bait. usually its columnaris "saddleback" or oodinium "velvit" that is mistaken for "ich". If i find a disease like that i do a water change, put the salt right to em @ about 2ppt, keep my water as cold as possible, spread my bait out, and count my losses. Its just a mater of time when they are going to die after they show symptoms. If you want to be really aggressive, you can treat with acriflavin or copper sulfates, methylene blue, or malachite green, be advised all of those are antimicrobials and will kill filters.
A lot of diseases like that will die in 24hrs without a host. In that way, a tank should sterilize itself in a day if there is no fish mater in the water and filter. Also bacterium die when dried out, so drain your tanks if your not using them.
-Dylan
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Dylan, what kind of salt do you use? I've been having this problem in my tank.
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Hey guys, lately ive been bringing home extra bait and can only fish on the weekends. If I hooked my airator up to a cooler and changed the water often, do you think it would keep bait for a while? Obv I would take any dead ones out each day. any info and tips would be appreciated thanks.
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THERE IS MORE INFO ON KEEPING BAIT HERE THAN YOU CAN READ IN A MONTH, TRY IT!!!!!!!!! ;D
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Yeah I used to keep bait in large coolers all winter. I used an aerator and changed the water every few days.
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Change half the water every few days you should be fine.
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I have had the same shiners (minus the ones I've fed to the fish ;) ) since November. Mine are in a 10 gallon container that I keep half full in a cold, but not freezing place. I change out half the water every 2 weeks. I started with several hundred, I have only had 9 die. I think the trick for me is the cold dark place, it seems to make them very docile. I also don't feed my bait, and even with no food and a very cold environment, my shiners are extremely active when used as bait. I hope this helps. :)
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I don't even run an airator. I change about 1/2 the water every week and I've kept bait all winter like this. It's really not hard...
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I have had the same shiners (minus the ones I've fed to the fish ;) ) since November. Mine are in a 10 gallon container that I keep half full in a cold, but not freezing place. I change out half the water every 2 weeks. I started with several hundred, I have only had 9 die. I think the trick for me is the cold dark place, it seems to make them very docile. I also don't feed my bait, and even with no food and a very cold environment, my shiners are extremely active when used as bait. I hope this helps. :)
Yea I wouldbe keeping them in a large coolein my basement. thanks for the info
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I don't even run an airator. I change about 1/2 the water every week and I've kept bait all winter like this. It's really not hard...
Yea I have been keeping some but each day I check on them I have 1 or 2 dead ones, so I am going to try putting them in a large cooler with an airator
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would it bother anything if I kept the smelts and shiners together?
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would it bother anything if I kept the smelts and shiners together?
I started the season with around 200 doz common shiners (most people in my area call them emeralds) in december in a 70 gallon tank in the basement. I change out 95% of the water every two or three days and feed the fish a small amount of goldfish flakes about once or twice a week. The shiners have been fine all season. In the middle of january I added in a few smelts and they did fine for about a month. Then I started to notice the smelts were swimming slowly at the top. After about a week all the smelts were dead. I don't think they were eating, but I'm not sure thats why they died, but I don't think that the shiners had anything to do with it. It has always been harder for me to keep smelts alive anyway, whether they were on the hook or in the tank. :tipup:
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I started the season with two 35gal aquariums. One had over 2000 dace and the other had 1000-1500 shiners. I run a filter and airator in my un-insulated shed. I also have a heater in the water on a timer to run 6-8 hours a day to keep the water temp just above freezing. I don't change my water nearly as frequent as most, I change 50% maybe once a month, or longer if it doesn't get cloudy. Now I stocked my tanks in early November and have not had any siginficant die-off yet... Good luck, the best thing to do is try and adjust until you find the right combo for your house. Make sure the PH of your water is right or that will kill fish faster than anything...
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Dylan, what kind of salt do you use? I've been having this problem in my tank.
I use water conditioner for wells. Its used to soften the water, its nothing more then sodium chloride. Most often it's found in a 20lb bag. Its in a lot of stores, and is a fraction of what you would pay for aquarium salts.
-Dylan
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I still have some bait that I bought over a month ago, just in a 5gal bucket no pump. I keep it in my bulkhead to stay cool and dump out 3/4 of the water and add fresh about once a week if I remember. I think I have lost 3. A couple of them are ones I took off the hook and saved and they are fine. The most important thing is change the water and don't let it freeze or get to warm.
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Dylan is correct.
The water softener salts are cheapest but in a pinch you can use Kosher salt from the supermarket. It's plain salt, no additives but still less expensive than aquarium salt. Also another way to kill parasites and other issues with your fish is to put them in a tank with a bunch of pennies. The copper is toxic even to the fish so you need to take them out or remove the pennies and do a complete water change after 24hrs or so. This also will stress the fish some so expect the weakest ones to croak, leaving only the healthier ones behind.
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would it bother anything if I kept the smelts and shiners together?
I prefer to separate them and keep them in several coolers. I use mostly 48qt and no aeration or filtration. The water does not need to be deep but it needs to be cold. I also like to use Shiner Life, Start Rite or what I have right now is Feeder Goldfish Keeper. Any of these products promote a healthy slime coat on the fish and it also contains other minerals, possible salt also. You especially need this stuff if you are using city water as it removes chlorine.
No food, keep an eye on them daily, remove all dead and any weak ones or ones with 'fuzz' on them. I let my net dry thoroughly after handling the sick/dead ones. Shiners will keep for a lot longer than smelts unless you take the time to make a real professional way of keeping bait. Even then, smelts will die if you look at them wrong! :blink:
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Thanks for all the info guys,helps me out a lot
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would it bother anything if I kept the smelts and shiners together?
nope, I am down to one tank now and have smelts, shiners, dace and tommies all in the same tank.
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make sure not too warm- fish at 50-60 degrees will die quick when you drop em in 30 something water. I keep mine in a bucket on the porch and when I can't hear the aerator any more, bring them in the mudroom over night to mostly thaw. some of them have been in there about 6 weeks, I change most of the water once or twice a week
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time for bait ?
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time for bait ?
is in my opinion ;D
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Definitely time for bait! This is about the time I started last year, and my bait stayed good through March. You just have to take care of it. I went to my local hot spot Monday and pulled 26 dozen nice shiners and dace in a 3 hour soak. Pretty good start!
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time for bait ?
Most definitely. I like to start the second week of October and aim to be done by the end of the month. Already have a few dozen...
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Bait?
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I'm having a heck of a time finding bait. I've got 2 traps in and check them daily (to no avail). I've had them in 3 ponds at different depths and still coming up blank.
Does anyone know what I should be looking for in a pond? I'm not looking for any exact locations. I'd rather keep the thieves away as much as anything. Just wondering if I need to go to larger ponds? Streams? Rivers? I've read that fire hydrant ponds can be good too. I guess I'm just at a loss for where to go next.
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How's the bait looking this year ?
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I love this thread! Bait for me has been less hit and more miss. Having a tuff time finding a honey hole in these parts
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Havent been to my honey hole for dace yet, but its coming soon!
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I am off to a good start
(http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii213/coach04222/100_1655.jpg)
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Had a great haul last night 24 hr soak puled up 500 shiners.. ;D
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Holey schmoley!!
What kind of area was it? Maybe some of us can learn what such a honey hole looks like.
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I've pulled in about 5-700 in the past week with one homemade cloverleaf trap. I've got mine in a really small skanky looking pond in a somewhat swampy area. I've true trapping in bigger ponds without luck.
If there are no predators (other than the odd beaver or so) shiners can multiply like crazy. I've read that in warmer climates 300 fish can turn into over 10,000 in less than a year. Hopefully someone can verify that.
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Had a great haul last night 24 hr soak puled up 500 shiners.. ;D
Right now just look or any tributaries to rivers or dead pools hat rivers fill, in the spring from high water.. They will be holding up there. A lot of times streams that flow directly into a large river will have a pool full of bait soon as it freezes there gone. :)
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Had a great haul last night 24 hr soak puled up 500 shiners.. ;D
Was that multiple traps, one clover trap or something else?
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Was that multiple traps, one clover trap or something else?
5 reg minnow traps. Done now my buddy and I pulled 800 shiners each. this was a good year and quick.. :thumbsup:
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100 per trap is impressive. I was excited to find 35 dace in each trap with a 24 hour soak. My shiner ponds aren't as productive. I typically get 20-25 shiners per trap.
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I'm picking up a chest freezer sometime this week and plan on rigging it up to hold my bait. Can't wait to start trapping shiners, last few years have been good to me down here in Southern Maine. At $5 dozen I love catching my own and giving it to everyone I fish with.
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I've pulled in about 5-700 in the past week with one homemade cloverleaf trap. I've got mine in a really small skanky looking pond in a somewhat swampy area. I've true trapping in bigger ponds without luck.
If there are no predators (other than the odd beaver or so) shiners can multiply like crazy. I've read that in warmer climates 300 fish can turn into over 10,000 in less than a year. Hopefully someone can verify that.
Reading up on it, shiners can lay roughly 5000 eggs, say about half are females, this leaves you with nearly 750,000 eggs. Of course not all of these hatch. To get 10,000 shiners, the survival rate would only need to be 1.3%. In an area with supposedly no predation, I could see that being feasible. However, I don't have any idea what the survival rate for shiners is.
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Got 2 traps soaking over night, will see what whats in them in the morning.
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Pulled in about 150 dace from the two traps this morning, oh happy day!
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Have Pulled 2000 shiners and have hand picked a 1000 and 100 wich was the big 8 inch golden shiners. Now getting my 100 suckers then I'm done..All others back in the water.. :)
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So I have a question for you guys. I picked up a chest freezer and have been reading older posts about what I need for an aerator/filter. I think I'm going with a small pond pump to a homemade waterfall system filtered out with either fiberglass insulation or pillow stuffing. How often do you tend to change out the insulation or stuffing? Also, I plan on keeping the freezer outside on my deck here in South Portland. Do you think I will have big issues with the water/filter freezing and would you recommend I throw a light source inside? I'm only using it for shiners so they should be a lot more durable then smelts.
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Dont think fiberglass insulation is the way to go, think I read (years ago) about it being bad. I havent made my own filters, so I cant say for certain though. I would think activated charcoal and cheese cloth layers would suffice. IMO
I would think you would have freeze up issues on the deck without a heat source of some kind.
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I ended up getting a small pond pump at Lowe's and attached it to a 3/8" tube that runs from the bottom of the freezer up into a tupperware container that I drilled holes into so it filters out like a waterfall (sort of). I put some pillow stuffing inside of the tupperware and it seems to work good. I will know more once I pull my trap tomorrow and load it full of shiners. If anyone has any other suggestions for filters I would love to hear them. I got my design from an old post by Builditrite, so thanks a lot!
Does anyone on here use water from the tap to fill their tanks with and if so what do you put in the water to make it livable for the bait or do you just let it sit for a few days before putting bait in?
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I use half unchlorinated tap water and half pond water from the bait pond.
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After doing some more research I think I am going to use your idea and get some of the charcoal and rig it up in PVC drilled with holes. As for the water, I think I am just going to get some de-chlorinator from walmart and add it to municipal water I get from the hose each time I change water out. Thanks for the ideas.
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Hope it works out good!
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So I have a question for you guys. I picked up a chest freezer and have been reading older posts about what I need for an aerator/filter. I think I'm going with a small pond pump to a homemade waterfall system filtered out with either fiberglass insulation or pillow stuffing. How often do you tend to change out the insulation or stuffing? Also, I plan on keeping the freezer outside on my deck here in South Portland. Do you think I will have big issues with the water/filter freezing and would you recommend I throw a light source inside? I'm only using it for shiners so they should be a lot more durable then smelts.
I store my bait in an unheated boathouse and chest freezer at times it does start to freeze up but I purchased a bird bath heater and it does the trick for me on the really cold spells
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I just want to chime in and emphasize the importance of understanding the biological aspect of the filtration as well. The filter floss and carbon will keep the water clear but does not clean the water as far as waste products. The waste products of fish and rotting organics (food, poop and dead fish) produce ammonia which is poisonous. That ammonia has to be kept to a minimum to keep the fish alive. the biogical method may not be ideal for bait tanks, but you would have to allow a small amount of fish to first dirty up the tank/filter slowly and allow ammonia consuming bacteria to grow, which requires surface area like gravel or porous bio-media to grow on. More practical for a bait tank wound be to use chemical resins like zeolite ammonia removed from pet stores (found in fish department) to absorbs initial spike in ammonia when you first introduce fish. In the case of a bait tank where your keeping it cold and feeding is kept to a minmum, it's the initial spike in ammonia when you first introduce the fish that usually causes the most losses. Then as the fish purge their system of their last meals, the production will decrease. Further spikes in ammonia will be proportional to a mount you feed and/or dead fish that haven't been removed.
Good thing about the ammonia absorber is it changes color as it becomes saturated so you know when to change it, and it can usually be recharged by soaking it in a saltwater brine solution. Just get a good amount to start with if you planning on dumping in lots of fish at once. I recommend having a filter bag for the ammonia absorber separate from the carbon, that way if you want to recharge it you can. Carbon it self should be changed every 3-4 weeks depending on how much you use.
Also, make sure to dechlorinate you water with a proper water conditioner (found in pet stores) as most cities are now adding chloramine instead of regular chlorine, so just letting the water to sit out and age to remove chlorine no longer works. Don't use insulation foam, but cotton batting should be fine but it does clog quickly so check and replace often. Get some testing strips, as ph tends to drop as it get dirty, then do *partial* water changes to slowly bring it back up or maintain it close to neutral (or what ever pH your usually fishing spot is). Quick changes in pH and/or temperature makes for dead bait.
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I found ammonia is the big killer of bait. There are test kits but observing the fish's behavior tells just as much. When the water is healthy the fish are mostly at the bottom of the tank. Ammonia settles to the bottom of the tank and the fish hang out near the surface when there is too much ammonia. When doing partial water changes siphon or drain water from the bottom of the tank to remove ammonia. I change about 1/3 of the water. When you pour or scoop water from the top the ammonia stays where it is. Check your tank daily, remove dead fish as soon as you see them and change water when needed. You should have few problems.
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I just picked up a 100 gallon tank and was wondering if any of you guys use a canister filter?
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I found ammonia is the big killer of bait. There are test kits but observing the fish's behavior tells just as much. When the water is healthy the fish are mostly at the bottom of the tank. Ammonia settles to the bottom of the tank and the fish hang out near the surface when there is too much ammonia. When doing partial water changes siphon or drain water from the bottom of the tank to remove ammonia. I change about 1/3 of the water. When you pour or scoop water from the top the ammonia stays where it is. Check your tank daily, remove dead fish as soon as you see them and change water when needed. You should have few problems.
Ammonia does not settle to the bottom or stratify in any way. Ammonia dissolves in equal solution with the water. Assuming that the tank is an open system the surface water would have negligibly less ammonia due to it gassing off with the atmosphere. Yes, the detritus settling to the bottom will create ammonia when the bacteria break it down.
I would not concern myself with extracting water from the bottom of the tank unless you can remove any solids this way. Like 9Huskies said removing dead bait will go a long way though.
-Dylan
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I've pulled in about 5-700 in the past week with one homemade cloverleaf trap. I've got mine in a really small skanky looking pond in a somewhat swampy area. I've true trapping in bigger ponds without luck.
If there are no predators (other than the odd beaver or so) shiners can multiply like crazy. I've read that in warmer climates 300 fish can turn into over 10,000 in less than a year. Hopefully someone can verify that.
I know that they can spawn up to three time a year. Assume half of them are female and sexualy mature. The fecundity would only have to be 67 eggs if all females successfully spawned three times, and all eggs were to hatch and survive until the end of the year.
-Dylan
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I wonder what I'm doing wrong. Is it better to set the trap near the bottom or near the top? Do I need to find deep water pools at this time of year? If so, how deep? Is no flow better than flow----I have set thim in a creek and in a pond but no luck either place.
Thx for any help you can offer.
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Usually I dont do well in a current, I put my traps halfway down the water column. (usually 6ft)
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What are people using to lable your traps?
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What are people using to lable your traps?
Black sharpie. @)
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Black sharpie. @)
What do you write on though? And do you attach it to the basket or line?
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What do you write on though? And do you attach it to the basket or line?
On the outer ring of the trap itself. You could also use a luggage tag.
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What do you write on though? And do you attach it to the basket or line?
I cut tags out of old milk jugs, and write on it with a sharpie.
Attach it to my stick and boom.
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I put a business card in a ziplock bag and leave it in the trap.
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Milk jug thing is prob what I should do. One of my traps is very cheap and doesn't have a thick ring to write on.
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I went to walmart and made some metal dog tags to mark my traps.
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I bought a bunch of the copper trapping tags online from Larry Finch. Cheap and really useful. Attach them to my trail cameras, tree stands, and even have one on my keychain.
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I bought a bunch of the copper trapping tags online from Larry Finch. Cheap and really useful. Attach them to my trail cameras, tree stands, and even have one on my keychain.
Might want to find the right size tag for your treestand
You must obtain verbal or written permission of the landowner (or representative) to erect or use a portable or permanent ladder or observation stand and the ladder or observation stand must be plainly labeled with a 2-inch by 4-inch tag identifying the name and address of the person or persons authorized by the landowner to use the observation stand or ladder.
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I bought a bunch of the copper trapping tags online from Larry Finch. Cheap and really useful. Attach them to my trail cameras, tree stands, and even have one on my keychain.
I would remove the tag from the keychain. If you lose the keys and the wrong person finds them he has your name and address.
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I would remove the tag from the keychain. If you lose the keys and the wrong person finds them he has your name and address.
Or someone will find his keys and return them.
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I would remove the tag from the keychain. If you lose the keys and the wrong person finds them he has your name and address.
Good point, we had my wife's Mustang stolen out of the driveway after losing a set of keys with our address on them at the mall.
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ive had my keys returned in my town to me 2 times do to a tag on the key ring,my bait traps i just laminate a bunch of my cards cut down to just name and adress
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A bit off topic, but in Canada we have this:
http://www.waramps.ca/ways-we-help/key-tags/
Maybe you Muricans have similar?
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Where's the best place to look for shiners? Not asking for specific locations, buf I have little experience in bait trapping. I've got a fire pond I'm trying out now. Picking the bucket up later today, though I'm not sure there will be anything in it.
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Where's the best place to look for shiners? Not asking for specific locations, buf I have little experience in bait trapping. I've got a fire pond I'm trying out now. Picking the bucket up later today, though I'm not sure there will be anything in it.
I think you'll be pleasantly surprised ..
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Well it came up empty. I was in about 2.5 feet of water. Should I be trying in the shallow or deeper? Can't really suspend it since there's no ice.
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I use a stainless fender washer , electric engraver, then wire tie it. Stuff in the garage.
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Well it came up empty. I was in about 2.5 feet of water. Should I be trying in the shallow or deeper? Can't really suspend it since there's no ice.
How deep is the pond? Try deeper, if not right off bottom if the pond is only 6-8 feet deep.
Ive suspended my traps with old lobster buoys and milk jugs.
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It's pretty deep and I'm not sure how deep but gotta be 10+. It's the end of a wetland that kind of ponded up.
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Write MINNOW TRAP on the buoy or jug so people will know what they are stealing.
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Once the ponds ice over it is not uncommon in weedy ponds or even in small springfed ponds to have an oxygen deficiency for a few feet up from bottom. You won't find baitfish near bottom in those situations because there isn't enough oxygen for them to breathe, so you would have to suspend the traps.
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I'm using a small rock wrapped in mesh for an anchor and a piece of pool noodle as a float.
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I use half unchlorinated tap water and half pond water from the bait pond.
If you are on a water system with chlorinated water, simply let the water stand in a bucket or container for 24 hours... The chlorine will disappear, and not hurt the bait (or tropical fish)...
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If you are on a water system with chlorinated water, simply let the water stand in a bucket or container for 24 hours... The chlorine will disappear, and not hurt the bait (or tropical fish)...
My tap water is from a well.
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If you are on a water system with chlorinated water, simply let the water stand in a bucket or container for 24 hours... The chlorine will disappear, and not hurt the bait (or tropical fish)...
Be careful with that, most municipalities are now using chloramine instead of regular chlorine. Chloramine does not gas out of water like chlorine does so just letting your water "age" overnight does not work anymore. You need use a water conditioner that will neutralize it.
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You need use a water conditioner that will neutralize it.
Or bring some back from wherever they were caught.
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Threw out two traps today check them in am .
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Mainwodsballer: i have a galvanized steel trap and found that 2 empty sixteen ounce water bottles will float it to the surface. float it from a 10 oz bank sinker and run a line from shore. i currently am using drop line as my running line. just mak sure that the line is not floating. you can tie the shore end to a rock and leave it submerged in the water.
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As I see it, there are 2 ways of doing it. One is to have enough floatation to support the weight of both the trap and the anchor. The other is to have enough to support the trap but not the anchor. I prefer the second way because the float in not on the surface and therefore not as visible to passers-by.
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Well not bad for first time ended up with about 5 dozen shiners .
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I pulled my trap again yesterday after 2 nites soaking in a local creek. Nothing---yet again! The water was about 3-4 ft deep and it runs thru a marshy area. I know someone said that areas with current are no so good but in my area we have lots of creeks but very few ponds apart from golf course water hazards. The 1 pond I tried was quite shallow.
I read on here somewhere to put some bread inside a mesh bag to keep it off the bottom of the trap(or from falling thru?). Maybe that's 1 of the probs---the food is harder for the fish to find inside the bag.I moved it to another creek yesterday and put in a bunch of loose bread. This creek run off a fair sized shallow weedy pond, so I'm still a bit hopeful. Still, this will be the 6th or 7th place I've tried.
Someone said that golf course ponds sometimes have bass. They must have been planted there, I guess. It seems unlikely that they would have minnows.
Comments?
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When trapping in brooks with a current find the biggest eddies and place your trap there. The bait fish use these eddies to get a break from the current.
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Anyone use the hydro sponge filters? Will those be ok for keeping bait??
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I pulled my trap again yesterday after 2 nites soaking in a local creek. Nothing---yet again! The water was about 3-4 ft deep and it runs thru a marshy area. I know someone said that areas with current are no so good but in my area we have lots of creeks but very few ponds apart from golf course water hazards. The 1 pond I tried was quite shallow.
I read on here somewhere to put some bread inside a mesh bag to keep it off the bottom of the trap(or from falling thru?). Maybe that's 1 of the probs---the food is harder for the fish to find inside the bag.I moved it to another creek yesterday and put in a bunch of loose bread. This creek run off a fair sized shallow weedy pond, so I'm still a bit hopeful. Still, this will be the 6th or 7th place I've tried.
Someone said that golf course ponds sometimes have bass. They must have been planted there, I guess. It seems unlikely that they would have minnows.
Comments?
Buy a handful of traps, find local ponds on google maps, and start soaking them in different places. Took me a long time before I found a good spot on my own. Even if the pond seems to small to hold bait give it a shot. I use a handful of dogfood per trap but everything you're doing sounds right. Just takes time and some luck.
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I'm catching a bunch of shinners out of a bog. In two days with two traps I kept 13 dozen and threw back a bunch of very small bait. I am using cat food and sitting right on bottom in about 3 feet of water.
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Been a crappy season for me. Only managed about 6 dozen out of a pond I normally trap and get 180 dozen a year from. Only time I managed to get any this year is when there is a little ice cover. Time to find a new place
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Got couple questions as this is my first time baiting . Well not having a problem trapping them I'm actually going to add another trap today And be more selective on size of bait I keep I'm using a black plastic resin box about same size area if you had a 55 gal barrel laid on its side.I'm running tank filter and two small air raiders . At what point is too much bait for container ? Does it matter having mixed sizes of bait in same tank also is it safe to add suckers to the tank with shinners? And is it really ok not to feed them for long length of time I have read were people have done it both ways?
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Buy a handful of traps, find local ponds on google maps, and start soaking them in different places. Took me a long time before I found a good spot on my own. Even if the pond seems to small to hold bait give it a shot. I use a handful of dogfood per trap but everything you're doing sounds right. Just takes time and some luck.
Couldn't agree more. I tried streams,and 4 or 5 ponds before I found a spot. Let it set for 24 hours. If you pull up nothing move on.
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Got couple questions as this is my first time baiting . Well not having a problem trapping them I'm actually going to add another trap today And be more selective on size of bait I keep I'm using a black plastic resin box about same size area if you had a 55 gal barrel laid on its side.I'm running tank filter and two small air raiders . At what point is too much bait for container ? Does it matter having mixed sizes of bait in same tank also is it safe to add suckers to the tank with shinners? And is it really ok not to feed them for long length of time I have read were people have done it both ways?
I my opinion the worst thing you can do is feed bait... as long as the water is cold and you're doing water changes you should be ok
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Been doing well on mummichogs (tomcod) so far but have only managed half a dozen shiners... do folks ever use tomcods for trout and salmon?
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Got couple questions as this is my first time baiting . Well not having a problem trapping them I'm actually going to add another trap today And be more selective on size of bait I keep I'm using a black plastic resin box about same size area if you had a 55 gal barrel laid on its side.I'm running tank filter and two small air raiders . At what point is too much bait for container ? Does it matter having mixed sizes of bait in same tank also is it safe to add suckers to the tank with shinners? And is it really ok not to feed them for long length of time I have read were people have done it both ways?
About 600 shiners are good for 55gal tank. Changing half the water every 4 days. proberly the one filter wont be enough but will help. I would say 30 or 40 suckers would not hurt it but hard to say just try it.. I keep 100 suckers and 700 shiners in my 150 gal freezer no problem. Get a container of better bait off Amazon use that you will have great success ;D
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Awesome thanks for the info guys.
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Been a crappy season for me. Only managed about 6 dozen out of a pond I normally trap and get 180 dozen a year from.
And you wonder why???
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And you wonder why???
I will add. The only time i have caught any this year out of that pond was when there was some ice covering it. Any time it was open water I only catch newts
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I will add. The only time i have caught any this year out of that pond was when there was some ice covering it. Any time it was open water I only catch newts
I can't speak on behalf of a lot of ponds but the one I trap produces far more once I can walk on it. Right now I have maybe a little over 100+ in my bait tank but once it freezes I should be able to have double that in one haul. It also shuts right off come late February and March.
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I can't speak on behalf of a lot of ponds but the one I trap produces far more once I can walk on it. Right now I have maybe a little over 100+ in my bait tank but once it freezes I should be able to have double that in one haul. It also shuts right off come late February and March.
Same here. Gave up trapping until I have ice. May be February or March at the rate we are going
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Been doing well on mummichogs (tomcod) so far but have only managed half a dozen shiners... do folks ever use tomcods for trout and salmon?
Yes, I've caught both on mummichogs, but I prefer smelts for salmon.
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do folks ever use tomcods for trout and salmon? I always try to use Tom cod when I can get them .They are easier to keep alive and are more lively then shiners I like little ones I put one on thru the back and on the same hook one tru the lips they fight each other and can be seen from all angles. Lake trout love em.
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Some people trap thru the ice. That sounds a bit difficult to me. How do you cut a big enough hole for the trap? Right now we have just a skimmer of ice----not safe for walking but too thick to pull the trap thru. I guess I'll have to wait until the ice is 'safe'. That's generally regarded as 4". Cutting a big hole thru 4" plus doesn't sound like a lot of fun.
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Yup, we mostly chisel holes for trapping bait. We mainers are tough ;D although a few soft guys cut bait trapping holes with chainsaws. ???
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I use a canoe and long 12 ft poles to hang traps off. Works awesome and I'm the only one out there. Get alot more bait in half the time..
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Some people trap thru the ice. That sounds a bit difficult to me. How do you cut a big enough hole for the trap? Right now we have just a skimmer of ice----not safe for walking but too thick to pull the trap thru. I guess I'll have to wait until the ice is 'safe'. That's generally regarded as 4". Cutting a big hole thru 4" plus doesn't sound like a lot of fun.
My husqvarna 460 will cut upto 19" of ice. Empty the bar oil run a tank of veggie oil through it then commence to cutting holes. It's nice too because you don't have a bunch of jagged edges to chip around when your tending them.
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I use a canoe and long 12 ft poles to hang traps off. Works awesome and I'm the only one out there. Get alot more bait in half the time..
I'm puzzled. How do you use the canoe and poles? thx
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I'm puzzled. How do you use the canoe and poles? thx
The poles are for sticking into bottom of pond upright then hang your traps off the pole. My ponds are under 10 ft deep.
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I'm running a 100 gallon Rubbermaid water trough from Tractor Supply (black ones) with a hanging Repto Filter on the side of the tank. The i have a canister filter that filters 500 gallons/hr. Two air pumps that are rated for 50 gallons a piece. I change my water every 3 days with a garden hose (well water) and using a bilge pump to flush the bottom of the tank. I use Fungus Aide and Shiner Holding formula from Better Bait and i keep bait for 5 months no problem. It sounds elaborate but really is not.
(https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=419283a643&view=att&th=151f9a6955a6cbc3&attid=0.1&disp=safe&zw)
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Well, so much for location, location, location!
I have tried:
1 the main river where I live, 2 locations
2 a couple of creeks running thru marshy areas
3 a shallow lake/pond with lots of bulrushes, weeds etc
4 a shallow pond interconnected with several other ponds
5 a deeper pond in the same system.
I have used:
1 bread
2 Crackers
3 rolled oats
4 dog food
Up until the last spot I attributed my lack of success to poor locations but now I’m stymied! There must be minnows of some sort in the pond system that I tried last. Could it be that all the minnows in that location are warm water species and are now inactive? Any other explanation?
thx
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I was having trouble too finding a place. Eventually I ended up tossing a trap off my parents dock while up for xmas. Got some nice sized bait. Also my best spot was a bever bog I found out in the woods. Had 2 bever huts. Haven't had any luck in flowing water.
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any one cheeping there bait in a non heated area? I have a un insulated / un heated garage any thoughts on how I could cheap bait in there any container that would hold water that was already insulated?
I have heard of people using junked freezers. Use a piece of rigid insulation for a cover.Cut a hole in it and rig a light that shines in above the water. You will also need to keep the water moving with a pump.This thread has been going for years, if you back some pages you will get some ideas.
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Stupid question #1: Anyone have any experience using tank warmers and just leaving a plastic tub outside? I'm messing with my holding set up and I want to leave it right on the porch? My Ham cooler is toast...I have a storage bin and will wrap it with insulation. Just wondering if I need it. With the Ham cooler last year it never froze with a small circulator.
...just saw Waynes prior post...should have done a little reading :blink: :blink:
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Hey guys have a quick question, and it might be in these 36 pages of this thread, but I did a search and nothing came up and to be honest I don't want to read through 36 pages ;D . Do any of you guys/gals using a chest freezer black them out? all my bait died (luckily I didn't have a lot) and a local bait dealer told me the whites of the walls make them "bleach" their stomachs? Anyone run into this or heard of this before? thanks
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Plenty of people using white . the fish will lighten there color a ton in a white tank but I don't think it will kill them . some guys line here bait buckets with a black trash bag to darken them back up
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Stupid question #1: Anyone have any experience using tank warmers and just leaving a plastic tub outside? I'm messing with my holding set up and I want to leave it right on the porch? My Ham cooler is toast...I have a storage bin and will wrap it with insulation. Just wondering if I need it. With the Ham cooler last year it never froze with a small circulator.
...just saw Waynes prior post...should have done a little reading :blink: :blink:
I'm using a plastic tote with insulation. And a trough heater with guard. Works great. Hasnt froze yet.
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How maNY watts is your trough heater?
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Plenty of people using white . the fish will lighten there color a ton in a white tank but I don't think it will kill them . some guys line here bait buckets with a black trash bag to darken them back up
Wouldn't it be easier to use a black bucket?
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A couple things I just thought of:
Close the lid on a freezer, what color is it then on the inside.
If it snows and the ice on a pond turns white, do all the fish in the pond bleach out.
I'm going to have to think some more on this
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Wouldn't it be easier to use a black bucket?
I use an orange colored bucket...I'm screwed. lol
I always used a trash bag only because I couldn't find the lid to the bucket and could tie the bag off.
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I learned about the trash bag liner sort of by accident. I was dipping spring smelts into a black bucket without thinking about it. It happened to be the bucket I grabbed. A bait dealer who was dippping at the same brook wanted to know where a got a black pail. He was using a trash bag. Now I mostly fish S-44 lakes so I have no reason to keep smelt alive. They go directly into a salt and baking soda brine. As soon as I get home they go in the freezer.
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I use 3 separate containers for my bait. Two of my containers are medium blue colored, the 3rd is dark gray inside and has a lid that I keep closed most of the time...It's true about the color getting bleached out of the fish. The shiners that I keep in the dark colored container stay nice and dark, but the others definitely get lighter after a couple of weeks.
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The color of the bait tank seems to make difference in the color of the bait. What really matters is if it makes the bait less effective. I haven't notice any difference when fishing.
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The color of the bait tank seems to make difference in the color of the bait. What really matters is if it makes the bait less effective. I haven't notice any difference when fishing.
I agree.
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I think the darker bait fish are more natural looking .I'm not sure if the lighter ones are less effective . I do know they don't take long to darken back up if they came out of a white tank or bucket . I have seen when fishing out of a white bait bucket they all look the same shade in the morning . At the end of a trip picking traps up and putting still lively bait that have been in the lake on a hook back in the bait bucket. They are darker then all they others that have been in the bucket all day .
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Hey guys, so Ive read through this topic and had a question. I built a tank from a chest freezer, have a pump running up to a pvc tubbing that is full of the blue fish filter material. I drilled holes in it and let it filter/ pump air into it. I found my shinners are dying pretty quickly. like within 2-3 days. Foam seems to be generating. Ive been catching the bait and dumping it into the freezer with the pond water, am I doing something wrong? Maybe I need a different filter? Thanks guys!
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Hey guys, so Ive read through this topic and had a question. I built a tank from a chest freezer, have a pump running up to a pvc tubbing that is full of the blue fish filter material. I drilled holes in it and let it filter/ pump air into it. I found my shinners are dying pretty quickly. like within 2-3 days. Foam seems to be generating. Ive been catching the bait and dumping it into the freezer with the pond water, am I doing something wrong? Maybe I need a different filter? Thanks guys!
Either too much bait in tank or not enough water changes.. But if you add the chemical better bait and a drop or two of defoamer for bait you will have no more issues. Or use a carbon filter but that is exspensive. I keep 700 in a 14cubic ft freezer using this method. Change half the water once per week.
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when you put newly trapped fishing into a tank environment a couple things happen, they will usually puke and poop due to the shock from moving from one environment to the other... this is why bio filtering is important, but during these periods small frequent water changes should help with a focus on the new water being as close temp wise with the old water. After a few days they should stop puking and pooping and the water quality should stabilize.
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Would like to get some shiners but all I can catch nearby is fatheads and chub.
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I've been told by experts that you need dark, natural looking smelts when trolling for salmon in the spring. So paint the outside of your bucket black
or if you keep them in a cooler keep the cover closed. Many bait dealers have white tanks so think about that.
For icefishing I don't think it makes any difference . The type of bait you are using may not be native to the water you are fishing anyway.
I think its all about taste. Some bait tastes better than others.
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I've been told by experts that you need dark, natural looking smelts when trolling for salmon in the spring. So paint the outside of your bucket black
or if you keep them in a cooler keep the cover closed. Many bait dealers have white tanks so think about that.
For icefishing I don't think it makes any difference . The type of bait you are using may not be native to the water you are fishing anyway.
I think its all about taste. Some bait tastes better than others.
??? ??? ???
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anyone started trapping yet?
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anyone started trapping yet?
I have, got almost 5 dozen in our 1st pull with some nice size to them. I could be a good year for us
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anyone started trapping yet?
I started early. Pulled about 10 dozen or so out of a fire pond near work. Should hold me over for most of the season. Hopefully I can actually spend some time on the ice this year and I run out ;)
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Got my new stainless steel tank in and new dock ! Got two tanks now in the brook. Does not freeze all winter. These are my overflow tanks and my new tank at home is done pic's to follow. these tanks should hold 700 and that will be good. ;D
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff452/sadchandler/trapping%20bait/822cd2aa-8e49-4287-99a4-013433ea9c6e_zpsco4lflpd.jpg)
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff452/sadchandler/trapping%20bait/bd44d1ae-5d3e-4492-a0d3-c0744efbc9d6_zpscewrx5jt.jpg)
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Pulled my first trap today for 3 doz, its coming!
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tanks are getting set up this weekend, traps will be out sunday morning.
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I went on a small pond today bout 2 inches of ice didn't get far bout 2fow put trap in just under ice should I expect any good results or wait til I can go deeper
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I bought a 5 ft ice chisel so I can trap bait under the ice.I have about 4 doz shiners so far. I bought a $26 pump ,aerator, sprayer and set it up in a cooler in my garage.I have been getting 2 types of bait in my trap. One kind is a shiner the other type are shorter and fatter. Maybe a creek chub.
(http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w414/fishwayniac/8D26E76E-F08F-405A-BBA4-4AB326F5B588.jpg) (http://s1074.photobucket.com/user/fishwayniac/media/8D26E76E-F08F-405A-BBA4-4AB326F5B588.jpg.html)
(http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w414/fishwayniac/9A7EDBA8-72F2-45F0-A480-7B8FF4117EF2_1.jpg) (http://s1074.photobucket.com/user/fishwayniac/media/9A7EDBA8-72F2-45F0-A480-7B8FF4117EF2_1.jpg.html)
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Got my new stainless steel tank in and new dock ! Got two tanks now in the brook. Does not freeze all winter. These are my overflow tanks and my new tank at home is done pic's to follow. these tanks should hold 700 and that will be good. ;D
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff452/sadchandler/trapping%20bait/822cd2aa-8e49-4287-99a4-013433ea9c6e_zpsco4lflpd.jpg)
(http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff452/sadchandler/trapping%20bait/bd44d1ae-5d3e-4492-a0d3-c0744efbc9d6_zpscewrx5jt.jpg)
What do you need bait for? From what I gathered they just jumped out of the hole you were fishing from
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What do you need bait for? From what I gathered they just jumped out of the hole you were fishing from
Really don't other than a little tip meat! everybody else does... :thumbsup:
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I've trapped 100 and used 90! I need more ponds to trap!
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I know where there are a couple of hot tubs with bad pumps. I wonder if anyone has ever though about using a complete hot tub.
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I currently have 30 dz shiners of various sizes up 5" I need more small shiners for crappie and perch fishing. pond that I catch them from has a lot in there. I have tried trapping but no luck. yes - galvi trap. I have tried floating the trap just below the surface, suspended about 9" from surface and on the bottom. all in the same place that I catch them one at a time by rod and reel using worm and bread dough. hook is small enough to catch the size that I need. Can't figure out why they wont go into trap. I would rather be able to trap them to minimize the trips to this pond as it is a 1/2 mile hike up and down hills on a rocky tote road and at 65 yrs old, it's getting to be a tough hike. no motorized vehicles allowed.
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Wow, this thread is still active! Ok, so it's a little warm today (low 60's), but I am going to drop my traps anyway. Time to start preparing for the awesomeness that lies ahead!
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I currently have 30 dz shiners of various sizes up 5" I need more small shiners for crappie and perch fishing. pond that I catch them from has a lot in there. I have tried trapping but no luck. yes - galvi trap. I have tried floating the trap just below the surface, suspended about 9" from surface and on the bottom. all in the same place that I catch them one at a time by rod and reel using worm and bread dough. hook is small enough to catch the size that I need. Can't figure out why they wont go into trap. I would rather be able to trap them to minimize the trips to this pond as it is a 1/2 mile hike up and down hills on a rocky tote road and at 65 yrs old, it's getting to be a tough hike. no motorized vehicles allowed.
Try a 3'X3' pull net ( think 4' square is the max size allowed in mass).... if you can get them with rod and reel you'll be able to get them to come into the net using small dough balls... I use a cheap fighting belt and an 8' length of 3/4" conduit with a rope attached to the top.... once the ice is safe you can cut a big enough hole with a chain saw to drop the net as well...those 2 methods have worked for me for 50 years or more..
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Try a 3'X3' pull net ( think 4' square is the max size allowed in mass).... if you can get them with rod and reel you'll be able to get them to come into the net using small dough balls... I use a cheap fighting belt and an 8' length of 3/4" conduit with a rope attached to the top.... once the ice is safe you can cut a big enough hole with a chain saw to drop the net as well...those 2 methods have worked for me for 50 years or more..
We aren't allowed to net bait, just dip for smelt. Only traps are allowed (not sure about bait dealer) for getting out baitfish.
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Went again this morning. This time, without the trap. Oak leaves floating all over my spot. used bread dough. fished 3 1/2 hrs. Dropping the baited hook in the small holes in the raft of leaves. Didn't look like I had that many. Counted them out at home as I netted them out of the bucket. 94. Kept only the ones that I was looking for. Tossed back the ones that were over 3".
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Started trapping a few this week. I upgraded my bait tank to a chest freezer with external gravity filter. It's kept in my semi-heated basement. The freezer seems to get pretty warm almost hot to the touch on the outside when its cooling down the water. Is this normal? Wondering if I should set it on a timer to give it a break every now and then. What temp do folks like for keeping shiners/dace?
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Shiners and dace can tolerate warm water much better than smelt. If the temperature of your basement is under 60 degrees you shouldn't need to cool the water. Aeration, filtration and regular partial water changes should be enough to keep losses quite low. I would recommend a test kit for amonia. When you test the water, take the sample from the bottom of the tank. In time you will know when the water needs changing by how the fish behave. They tend to hang out near the bottom of the tank in healthy water conditions. When they are near the surface it usually means something's not good.
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I agree with husky, just want to make sure before you use them to let the shiners acclimate to the cold water. You can do this by taking your bucket filling it water and leaving it outside with your shiners. Honestly with a chest freezer tank in the winter, if you can leave it outside and be covered thats the best. You can get a little tank heater and put that on a timer. Usually keeps the water really cold with minimal freezing and you dont have to acclimate your shiners before using them. With really cold water it also helps keep the tank water quality in the optimal ranges. But if you have to keep it in the basement, then maybe throwing in some big ice pack to help keep the water cool (Ie a couple of gallon water jugs rotated). The thing is that the compressors are designed to keep air cold, and water holds a lot more energy than air, so in order to cool everything to the temp the thermostat is looking for, it could put a lot of strain, thus heating up the compressor motor.
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Thanks. I tried keeping them the last few years in a stock tank and the water quality just suffered. My basement is too warm.
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last tome I kept them in the basement, they came down with a white fungus and they all died before I could use them. Following year, I put the tank outside. boxed it in and added 2" foam insulation with a hinged lid. added a heater for those super cold days.
T date, I still have one left over which has retired to the fishtank.
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ive used sure life better bait additive for over 20 years with great results. have a old freezer in my garage w/ a homemade filter system. have had dace in there since july. never changed water only filter material when its dirty. no loses. before i add smelts i swap out 1/2 the water at the beg. of the season and its good till' spring with barely any losses. if they do die its from being hooked. got a small pond heater i plug in when it gets below 0.
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First year my shed is heated I'm very concerned but have a plan to freeze 4 1 gallon jugs and rotate them daily so 2 gallons or so will be a frozen ice chunk. It's my only option
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Started trapping a few this week. I upgraded my bait tank to a chest freezer with external gravity filter. It's kept in my semi-heated basement. The freezer seems to get pretty warm almost hot to the touch on the outside when its cooling down the water. Is this normal? Wondering if I should set it on a timer to give it a break every now and then. What temp do folks like for keeping shiners/dace?
MTW, this is likely the condenser coil trying to dump all of the heat to the air in your basement. It is normal, though it is a sign of just how much work your freezer is doing. You could cut an access hatch to expose the condenser and allow it to dump heat more easily. Just be careful to not damage the coil. Really like the YouTube channel, btw.
Chiefer
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where'd they go? they seem to have disappeared from my spot. In Oct and first of Nov, I had no problem catching them. used galvi trap floating just under the surface and then adjusted to various depths. only got a few in the trap in Oct. all the rest that I have gotten were caught on rod/reel. the place was barren as of 2nd week of Nov. This happened last year too. where did they go?
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where'd they go? they seem to have disappeared from my spot. In Oct and first of Nov, I had no problem catching them. used galvi trap floating just under the surface and then adjusted to various depths. only got a few in the trap in Oct. all the rest that I have gotten were caught on rod/reel. the place was barren as of 2nd week of Nov. This happened last year too. where did they go?
The water has turned over. The warm water fish are now concentrated in the warmer waters. Mostly the warm water after the fall turnover is going to be at the bottom of the depths.
-Dylan
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tried setting the trap on the bottom as well and not even a bluegill.
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my normal spot goes pretty quiet in the winter, in the summer i can get over 50 a night in one trap, same spot in the winter i get maybe 6-10 if I'm lucky.
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my normal spot goes pretty quiet in the winter, in the summer i can get over 50 a night in one trap, same spot in the winter i get maybe 6-10 if I'm lucky.
Sounds familiar. Pulled out 200 in two 8 hour soaks in my usual spot this past summer. Pulled out 40 or so in several soaks last winter. Not a single one from two traps yet this go around. Guess I gotta start looking for a new spot I spose
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this has happened 3 years in a row. come next fall, they're back. I leave them alone all spring and summer. This year, I did better with the rod vs the trap.
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Time to bring this thread back. This is it's 8th season. I'll be buying my bait but I enjoy reading about other people's bait trapping adventures and bait storage systems.
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I’ve been thinking about fishing for some chubs and large golden shiners for togue and maybe pike this year. Just not sure if I really want to set up a tank.
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27 dz so far. gonna go back and try to get more small ones. I got too many big ones. only about 2 dz in the trap.
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?
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i'm done. 34 dz. left he trap home the last 2 outings. caught 32 dz out of 34 one at a time with rod.
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We are now done and ready to go. I improved my setup and its running SWEET.
(https://i.postimg.cc/p9nG899T/IMG-1703.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/p9nG899T)