Shiners

Just a question.All these shiners i have left from ice fishing when they died and stunk up my fish tank can i use them for cats.I just hate to throw them out after paying 6 bucks a dozen.If so i imagine i could freeze them until need be.Also when could one expect to catch cats,like around april or so when the thaw is going on.I fish out of gordons landing i think its pool 9,right across from the falling rock bar.I know you guys treasure your cat spots but mybe you could find a little simpathy this one time.
Or if someone is willing to show me around if some plans could be made.Fished for cats last year at least 10 times only to catch 5 fish.
Anyway thanks for any info.

Kevin Budny
LET EM RUN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I see no reason why you couldn’t freeze them shiners and use them in the spring for channel catfish. I have guys that take my dead fatheads and put 5-6 on a hook at one time and catch channels that way! The channels start biting pretty good in May when the water temps hit the 50 degree mark. Look for logjams or current breaks in backwater areas. Also look for backwaters that warm up first in the spring to find the first active catfish for the year. Good Luck.

If you have or know someone who has a vacum sealer do that. It works great.

Hey thanks for the info maybe i can become a little more productive this year, after all thats why this site is hear.
Thanks again!

Kevin Budny
LET EM RUN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would throw them out if they already are pretty stinky… they will be much when you thaw them out.. There is plenty of good baite to use in the spring…..without that hassle

We catch wild shiners in the spring and freeze a dozen per bag. Cut shiners work great for channels and the occasional bottom feeder (walleye.)

Tom B

If you have a cast net or an umbrella net (both available at fleetfarm), you can catch shinners all year long on the river.
Good luck.

if you’re going to freeze them, then soak them in borax & salt for a couple hours before freezing. The borax makes them hold together much better when they thaw, without adding much of a scent to the minnows.

And speaking of scent, you might try adding something like liver blood or garlic to the brine water you soak them in. Stink helps, eh?

Then, prior to freezing the minnows, I dried them out to avoid freezer burn.