Traping Bait, The Basics?

[natas]

I am looking to trap some bait in a pond near my house. I am not positive that there is even bait in there. The pond has a hole that reaches 18 feet and there is dropoffs from 7 to 18 feet, There is also an outlet on the pond. Where should I locate the trap, in what depth of water and how high in the water column? Thanks!

[LAKEGEORGEJEFF]

I've had good luck in the outlets.

[pikekiller]

OK, I thought I had solved my bait problems.  I netted a whole mess of golden shiners from my friend's pond, put them in my pond, and they took hold like crazy.  Now I have a pond that is busting with golden shiners.  Here's the problem:  By the time ice fishing season rolls around, the only minnows that are active are too small for pike bait.  I have tried every kind of bait in my traps, and even tried jigging them.  I have come to the conclusion that the larger ones are not active in cold temperatures.  I can trap them just fine in the summer (all sizes). 
I am working on a big mesh cage to submerge in the pond, so I can trap or net the bait before ice.  I've had a few people tell me that they've heard of this, with some suggestions for accessing them once the pond freezes over.  Has anyone here seen anything like this? Any advice?

[LAKEGEORGEJEFF]

I believe they do go inactive in the cold water temps.I know like you said it
is easier in the warmer months.I did manage to catch a few suckers this winter.

[pikekiller]

If suckers tend to be more active in the winter, I could stock some of those in my pond too.  Are they herbivores?  They get pretty big, and could really do some damage to the shiner population.

[Thestanimal]

Thanks for the tips-I'm trapping my own bait this spring

[beeverfishing]

Just a reminder to check your state regulations when trapping bait.  It may not be legal to enlarge the trap entrance.  For those inclined, you can build your own trap.  Just be sure of your state regulations.

[tip-uptwo]

Thanks for adding that in beeverfishing....Somet hing I should have added to my read

Always check your regs......