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Pennsylvania => Ice Fishing Pennsylvania => Topic started by: 1MOFISH on Nov 03, 2009, 01:39 PM

Title: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: 1MOFISH on Nov 03, 2009, 01:39 PM
anyone trappin bait in pa? any tips or spots will be appreciated also show your tanks for reference to others thankx
mo
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: Sgt. Pepper on Nov 03, 2009, 02:24 PM
my buddy does it. he usually goes to a feeder stream of a main creek, finds a decent pool and throws his traps in.  from what he has told me, a couple feet this way or that could be  the difference between a full trap and getting skunked. you want to get your trap holes inline with the current. he also says the the best bait he has found is plain white bread smashed into dough balls the size of golf balls.

he usually goes a couple times right before ice up, and we never have a problem with big bait after that.
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: 1MOFISH on Nov 04, 2009, 11:01 AM
thankx sgt pepper ill bet up your way could get all kinds of minnows   mo
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: Ski Hunter on Nov 05, 2009, 09:15 AM
I've never had much luck trapping bait around me. I know theres chubs in the creek as I can catch plenty with the flyrod and tiny nymphs but just cant catch them in the traps  ??? ???  is the same way all summer long when the chubs are everywhere in the creek too.

I'll be getting my tanks set up this weekend hopefully and will get some pics up once I do.
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: 1MOFISH on Nov 08, 2009, 05:53 PM
with the gas prices it might be cheaper to buy bulk bait by the pound try to trap while im out need to try ouy roncarrs idea      mo
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: icin_eyes on Nov 09, 2009, 08:31 PM
Pennsylvania Outdoor Life (CH 16) is doing their next episode on trapping bait in PA.  It's on Monday at 7:30 instead of the normal Sunday night broadcast this coming week.

You have to find the deepest holes in the creek this time of year to find the bait.  A mud bottom helps too.
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: 1MOFISH on Nov 10, 2009, 08:49 PM
Pennsylvania Outdoor Life (CH 16) is doing their next episode on trapping bait in PA.  It's on Monday at 7:30 instead of the normal Sunday night broadcast this coming week.

You have to find the deepest holes in the creek this time of year to find the bait.  A mud bottom helps too.

thankz i need to get mofish jr to help the olman out where ya get channel 16
mo
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: jayswimmer09 on Nov 11, 2009, 01:36 PM
mo you of all people dont need help trapping bait, haha you probably have enough for the season already.
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: Byron/PA on Nov 11, 2009, 02:51 PM
When it comes to the smaller sized baitfish, like fatheads, I just buy them by the pound and keep them in my minnow tanks.
For larger sized baitfish, that I use for pike and walleyes, I catch them on a rod. A small #14 hook, 4lb line and a waxie as bait, in a local trout stream and then keep them in my bait tanks.
It takes some time, but gives me something to do in November and saves a boatload of money on big baits. 6 to 10 inch baits get expensive, even if you can find a place to buy them.

Never had much luck with catching decent sized minnows in a trap.
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: Icefishin Wizz on Nov 11, 2009, 03:59 PM
Pennsylvania Outdoor Life (CH 16) is doing their next episode on trapping bait in PA.  It's on Monday at 7:30 instead of the normal Sunday night broadcast this coming week.

This topic should be of interest to all PA ice fishermen.
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: iceman clem on Nov 11, 2009, 07:20 PM
if you can find a feeder stream to the river just before freezup the shinners will be there spawning or something i not sure why but i use a minnow netand put it down and walk up the stream get all kinds and all sizes end of nov -2nd week DEC
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: Icefishin Wizz on Nov 12, 2009, 03:16 PM
So far this thread has been about where to look for minnows in a crick but but not too much about what kinds of cricks to look for and what ones to avoid. Also, aside from saving $$ I what are the compelling reasons to get out in your boots and slosh around trappin your own minnows? Wild caught bait is probably one of the biggest advantages that you can have if you are fishing for big game fish through the ice. The health and stamina of a wild bait out shines that of the pond raised, trucked, and tank kept, store bought variety. The species of wild that you catch will be more closely in tune with what the fish in you local waters are accustomed to seeing, tasting, smelling and feeding on. You with me?

Catch Pennsylvania Outdoor Life on Monday, the 16th at 7:30 for the rest of the story.   ;D
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: topher7694 on Nov 12, 2009, 03:20 PM
anyone trappin bait in pa? any tips or spots will be appreciated also show your tanks for reference to others thankx
mo

Just remember, according to law, you can only use the bait trapped from one body of water on that same body of water..ie can't trap minnows at Lily Lake and use them as bait at Lackawanna State Park....you know what I'm trying to say
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: Sgt. Pepper on Nov 12, 2009, 03:25 PM
thats nonsense. the only regulaton is for VHS infected waters.
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: topher7694 on Nov 12, 2009, 03:52 PM
I apologize...you are right...they must have rescinded that law...ignore my last post
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: jayswimmer09 on Nov 12, 2009, 07:08 PM
yah i was going to say when did they pass that!!!!
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: Gambler on Nov 12, 2009, 08:27 PM
I seem to remember reading about 2 lakes and one of them was Arthur that you can't take baitfish trapped from them to another lake. They must be used in the lakes they were caught in. Or maybe it was just a bad dream! I will look through the regs book to see if I can find it.
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: Gambler on Nov 12, 2009, 08:44 PM
Could not find what I was looking for but I did find this.  http://www.fish.state.pa.us/fishpub/summary/bait.html (http://www.fish.state.pa.us/fishpub/summary/bait.html).
Make sure you keep you reciept if you have more than 50 bait fish.
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: dkfry on Nov 13, 2009, 09:29 AM
I got the tank (70Gal Stainless Steel), filter, air pump and all the stuff but didn't get my bait tank together. I have one trap and got the materials to build at least two more. going to give trapping and the bait tank a try this year even though I don't use minnows much.
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: 1MOFISH on Nov 14, 2009, 08:36 AM
I got the tank (70Gal Stainless Steel), filter, air pump and all the stuff but didn't get my bait tank together. I have one trap and got the materials to build at least two more. going to give trapping and the bait tank a try this year even though I don't use minnows much.
d put a couple tipups out while jiggin the commotion draws in the bigguns in good luck mo
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: dkfry on Nov 18, 2009, 07:38 PM
I missed the episode on Trapping Bait on PA Outdoor Network on monday but I found the episode. http://www.wnep.com/videobeta/watch/?watch=4f76e356-52d4-4e96-9592-4247c2a591fb&src=front (http://www.wnep.com/videobeta/watch/?watch=4f76e356-52d4-4e96-9592-4247c2a591fb&src=front) Its an interesting episode for shure, well the first half anyway.
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: captain54 on Nov 21, 2009, 07:19 AM
By law 50 baitfish in possesion,while fishing but how many at home in your tanks can you have?
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: Bean on Nov 21, 2009, 07:37 AM
By law 50 baitfish in possesion,while fishing but how many at home in your tanks can you have?

Here's what the rulebooks say-->  http://www.fishandboat.com/fishpub/summary/bait.html (http://www.fishandboat.com/fishpub/summary/bait.html)
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: captain54 on Nov 21, 2009, 07:48 AM
So you could legally keep more than 50,if kept in different tanks?
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: Bean on Nov 21, 2009, 08:21 AM
No. That's saying if gathering bait in a group (with your friends), you can't have more than 50 in a container. The daily limit and possession limit is 50 combined species(for one person).  

Fishbait or baitfish purchased from a licensed dealer do not have a possession limit and do not count toward your daily limit of fishbait and baitfish taken from Commonwealth waterways. When purchasing bait, be sure to obtain and keep the sales slip or receipt. The receipt authorizes the possession of the fishbait or baitfish so purchased for a period of 15 days after its date of issue.

If you collect 50 baitfish from a local stream and also have a couple dozen large shiners bought from a licensed dealer, you are within the laws of the fish commission.
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: coboy on Nov 21, 2009, 09:51 AM
Back when I lived there my brothers and I would trap Thorn Creek and the surrounding areas. Just as was posted earlier,you want to set the trap with the current.We used dry dog food instead of bread.It holds up longer,and specifically Dad's brand as opposed to any other such as Purina,etc.We just got more bait with that brand.
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: Ski Hunter on Nov 21, 2009, 10:56 AM
I missed the episode on Trapping Bait on PA Outdoor Network on monday but I found the episode. http://www.wnep.com/videobeta/watch/?watch=4f76e356-52d4-4e96-9592-4247c2a591fb&src=front (http://www.wnep.com/videobeta/watch/?watch=4f76e356-52d4-4e96-9592-4247c2a591fb&src=front) Its an interesting episode for shure, well the first half anyway.

and to think Dave used to regularly post info like he showed on the show in the good ole days on here  :whistle: :whistle:
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: 1MOFISH on Nov 23, 2009, 11:27 AM
and to think Dave used to regularly post info like he showed on the show in the good ole days on here  :whistle: :whistle:
sounds like dave went his own way  anyhow i use the same approach with a siene an umrella net and traps 
mo
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: Icefishin Wizz on Nov 30, 2009, 11:12 PM
No. That's saying if gathering bait in a group (with your friends), you can't have more than 50 in a container. The daily limit and possession limit is 50 combined species(for one person).  

Fishbait or baitfish purchased from a licensed dealer do not have a possession limit and do not count toward your daily limit of fishbait and baitfish taken from Commonwealth waterways. When purchasing bait, be sure to obtain and keep the sales slip or receipt. The receipt authorizes the possession of the fishbait or baitfish so purchased for a period of 15 days after its date of issue.

If you collect 50 baitfish from a local stream and also have a couple dozen large shiners bought from a licensed dealer, you are within the laws of the fish commission.


Just remember to keep the wild (trapped) ones in a seperate container from the store store bought ones (reciept on hand). If you mix them and exceed the 50 per pail limit your reciept won't be worth squat.
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: slider on Dec 01, 2009, 12:18 AM
the next  thin you know they will want birth certificates form the bait fish
for proof of residency
 :icefish:One bait fish :icefish:2 bait fish  :icefish:3 bait fish
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: slider on Dec 01, 2009, 12:20 AM
oops

 :icefish:  1 bait fish:icefish:2 baitfish :icefish:3 baitfish
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: 1MOFISH on Dec 01, 2009, 12:24 PM
the next  thin you know they will want birth certificates form the bait fish
for proof of residency
 :icefish:One bait fish :icefish:2 bait fish  :icefish:3 bait fish
i got my proof of   "live birth" will that work  lol   mo
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: dkfry on Dec 01, 2009, 06:59 PM
You can't have a decent bait tank and be compliant with PAs law. Having 50 minnows is nothing. I wasted about $25 worth of gas in the last few days trying to catch bait and caught nothing but bluegills. I think I will just buy some fatheads to put in my tank and done. Between the price of fuel and the BS 50 in posession law it isn't worth it.
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: jayswimmer09 on Dec 01, 2009, 09:49 PM
i agree the rule is really dumb for us ice fishermen, but o well we gotta do whtwe gotta do
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: Ski Hunter on Dec 03, 2009, 06:11 PM
i agree the rule is really dumb for us ice fishermen, but o well we gotta do whtwe gotta do

I agree but I also see how taking shiners, chubs, suckers, ect out of some small creeks could harm them fairly quickly if guys get greedy and start taking them by the 100s (even if they only take 50 per day)

I got 100 minnows and a few crawfish in my tanks (I believe the book mentions you are allowed 2 days limits in your possession  ???) and need to start getting some trout in case it ever decides to get cold finally  :-\
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: Ski Hunter on Dec 22, 2009, 12:05 PM
If only I could get a trap big enough to trap these guys

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/MikeThePike/1221091606a.jpg)

Guess I gotta stick to the jig rods and mormyshkas  ;D ;D
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: digger953 on Dec 22, 2009, 05:44 PM
bigggggggggggggggg    bait========  biggggggggggggggggggg fish
     :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
                                                 :icefish:
                                       :icefish:              :icefish:
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: FISHHUNTER80 on Jan 01, 2010, 11:29 PM
If only I could get a trap big enough to trap these guys

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/MikeThePike/1221091606a.jpg)

Guess I gotta stick to the jig rods and mormyshkas  ;D ;D

AAAH, THE GRASS CARP!! THOSE HAVE BEEN MY BAIT OF CHOICE FOR YEARS. I CATCH THEM IN OCTOBER AND KEEP THEM IN A SMALL POND TILL ICEFISHING.
Title: Re: trapping bait in pennsylvania
Post by: Tendril77 on Jan 25, 2010, 11:20 AM
If you had a slump on trapping bait in the past 2 weeks, put the traps in now! My cousin had them in 2 weeks ago and nothing for a whole week. He put them in this past week overnight and BANG, 3 full bait traps! It seems that everyone in NE PA had the same situation, so just to let you know, throw the traps back in. They are running again   ;)