Getting big golden shiners

[Ronix 51]

So I know I can get big suckers from a bait farm but the "pike" shiners are on average 4-5 inches maybe a 6'er scattered througout...i like using bigger shiners also especially if im fishing in water over 20ft or so they give off a nice flash its just hard to find any that are over 6 inches so heres my question, how long would it take to get these 4-5'ers to a plumper 6-8' size? and would it be possible to keep them alive that long given that you moniter water quality, feed them properly, and keep them in a well-aerated and suitable container? Back when bait shops could catch their own bait I used to get some nice big golden colored shiners pushing 9 inches that produced real well for me and I wanted to try and get some like that to fish along with big suckers

[GAMBLER]

Ronix,

The new bait laws only allow us to keep our bait 10 days. Not enough time to get them that big.

[Ronix 51]

what if it comes right from a bait farm though? I got my bait license to buy from farms and hatcheries, does that make a difference or no?

[GAMBLER]

Not sure. I know bait shops can only keep there bait so long also. Call the DEC. They are always willing to answer questions.

[NitroMusky]

even if its legal, its somewhat impractical to do this in quantities beyond single digits. with a few notable exceptions, most fish give off chemicals which stunt or severely slow growth when population density get too high. to get around this you would need a lot more than an aquarium sized tank and/or a continuous supply of 'new' water

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[Ronix 51]

....well I dont think my parents use their above ground swimming pool too much anymore...haha

[GAMBLER]

....well I dont think my parents use their above ground swimming pool too much anymore...haha

If they still want to use it, my neighbors is usually green by mid June.

[mike fronczak]

I have them in my pond that large, the kids were catching them last summer. I had dumped a few in when we ice fished out there. Apartartly they grew & bred. Same deal though...not a bait farm.