Pricing and Bait Tips
A dozen shiners generally costs around $20. Wild shiners cost around $14-20 a dozen. Farmed shiners you can expect to pay around $16 dollars a pound.
On average, anglers can expect to pay around $3 to $10 per dozen for minnows, depending on the size, species, and availability.
Minnow species include fatheads and golden shiners. Common shiners cost $12-24 per pound. Mosquitofish cost hundreds per pound. Price varies by location and species availability.
Nightcrawlers cost $30-32 per pound from family operations. A pound contains 350-400 worms. A dozen nightcrawlers cost $0.08-2.00 depending on source. Refrigeration extends their life.
Hook Placement and Usage
One recommended way to hook a shiner is through the bottom lip and nostril, avoiding the brain located in the middle of the nostrils.
Do not use bobbers, if possible, as they can distract the bass.
Bait Quantities and Maintenance
On average, anglers can anticipate around 40 to 60 shiners per pound. Keep in mind that this estimate can vary depending on weight, thickness, and availability.
Keep shiners alive by freezing water bottles and swapping them out in the bucket. Female shiners grow faster and larger than males, reaching sexual maturity at 1-2 years. They may spawn 4-5 times per season, depositing 10,000-20,000 eggs, which hatch in 3-5 days depending on temperature.
Stock ponds with 10-25 pounds of shiners per surface acre, ensuring there are not too few or too many bass which can throw off the food chain. Stock 5-10 adult bass per acre for a healthy pond.