Understanding Shiners Fishing
It is a technique that involves using live shiners fish as bait to attract larger species. The term “shiner” refers to small, silvery baitfish commonly found in freshwater lakes and rivers. These fish are an excellent source of food for predator fish like bass, and they can trigger a natural feeding response when used as bait.
In Orlando, shiner fishing is especially popular because of the area’s abundant freshwater lakes and rivers, which are home to a variety of species that feed on shiners. Using shiners fish as bait increases your chances of landing a trophy catch, making it a go-to technique for local anglers.
Why Shiners Fish Are Ideal Bait?
Natural Attraction
Predator fish are naturally attracted to shiners due to their abundance in freshwater ecosystems. This makes them a highly effective bait choice.
Realistic Movement
When properly hooked, shiners mimic the natural movements of small fish, making them highly realistic bait. This increases the likelihood of attracting larger fish
Versatility
Shiners can be used in various fishing conditions, from still waters to fast-moving currents. They work equally well for both novice and experienced anglers.
Shiner Fishing Gear You’ll Need
Fishing Rod and Reel
A good rod and reel combination is crucial for controlling your bait and handling large fish effectively.
Features:
Rod Length and Action:
A 6-7 feet rod offers optimal casting distance and provides better control, particularly when working with live bait like shiners. Longer rods also help keep more line in the water, which is especially helpful when fishing in deeper areas.
Medium to Heavy Action:
A medium to heavy action rod is ideal for shiners fish as it allows you to cast heavy bait with ease and gives enough strength to fight larger fish like bass and catfish.
Smooth Drag System:
A smooth drag system in your reel helps to manage the line when a fish takes the bait. This reduces the risk of line breakage and allows you to fight the fish without it getting away.
Hooks and Rigs
The right hooks and rigs help ensure that the shiner stays alive longer while attracting predatory fish effectively.
Features:
Hook Size:
A size 1/0 to 3/0 hook is ideal for shiner fishing. Larger hooks (such as 3/0) are great for catching bigger predator fish like largemouth bass or catfish, while smaller hooks (1/0) are better for smaller species like crappie or bluegill.
Circle Hooks:
Circle hooks are recommended for shiner fishing because they tend to hook the fish in the corner of the mouth, reducing the likelihood of injuring the fish. This is especially useful if you plan on practicing catch-and-release.
Live Bait Rig:
Using a live bait rig with your hook allows the shiner to swim freely, increasing the chances of attracting a predator. This rig also reduces the chances of tangling your line.
Live Bait Containers
Maintaining the health and activity level of your shiners is crucial, and a good live bait container will help you achieve this.
Features:
Oxygenated Water:
Live bait buckets with an aerator system keep the water oxygenated, which helps the shiners stay active for longer periods. This is essential because healthy, active shiners make for more effective bait
Ventilation:
A ventilated container ensures that the water doesn’t become stagnant, which can stress the shiners. Air holes allow fresh air to circulate, which prevents them from suffocating.
Temperature Regulation:
Some live bait containers come with a temperature control feature, which is especially useful in Florida’s warm climate, helping to keep the shiners from getting too hot and dying prematurely.
Fishing Line
Choosing the right fishing line is essential for both control and strength when fishing with live shiners
Features:
Breaking Strength (10-20 lbs):
A 10-20 lb fishing line provides the right balance between strength and flexibility. Lines that are too thin will break under the pressure of larger fish, while thicker lines may reduce casting accuracy and sensitivity.
Monofilament Line:
Monofilament is ideal because it has some stretch, which provides better control and allows for easier hook-setting. It’s also relatively low visibility in the water, which reduces the chances of fish seeing the line.
Abrasion Resistance:
Monofilament lines offer a level of abrasion resistance, which is important when fishing near structures like submerged logs, rocks, or other underwater obstacles where fish may try to hide.
Common Species Caught with Shiners Fishing
Shiner fish is effective for a wide variety of freshwater species. Some of the most common catches in Orlando include:
Largemouth Bass
Bass are aggressive predators that are drawn to the movement of live bait.
Crappie
Known for their tasty meat, crappie can be found in many of Orlando’s lakes and respond well to live shiners
Catfish
Both channel catfish and flathead catfish are attracted to live shiners, making them an excellent target for shiners fishing.
Bluegill & Sunfish
Smaller species that often bite on shiners, especially when fishing in shallow waters or near the shore.
How to Use Shiner Fish
Here’s a breakdown of how to get the most out of your shiner fishing experience in Orlando:
Selecting the Right Shiner Fish
The first step in shiners fishing is selecting the right shiners. There are different species of shiners, but the most used for fishing are the golden shiner and the fathead minnow. The size of the shiner you choose should be appropriate for the species of fish you are targeting. Larger shiners are typically used for catching trophy bass, while smaller shiners work well for crappie and catfish.
Hooking the Shiner
The best way to hook a shiner is through the lips or behind the dorsal fin. This ensures the shiner stays alive and active, moving naturally in the water. Hooking through the lips allows the shiner to swim freely, while hooking behind the dorsal fin will make it swim in circles, which can attract predatory fish.
Casting and Retrieval
Once your shiner is hooked, cast it into the water. Depending on the species you are targeting, you may want to allow the shiner to drift naturally or reel it in slowly to simulate the movement of a distressed fish. For bass fishing, it’s often effective to cast your shiner near structures like submerged rocks, fallen trees, or weed beds, where bass are likely to be lurking.
Using a Float or Weight
Some anglers prefer to use a float to keep their shiner near the surface of the water, while others use a small weight to keep the bait submerged at a specific depth. The float helps keep your bait visible to fish near the surface, while the weight allows you to target fish at greater depths.
Ready to Try Shiners Fishing in Orlando?
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting, Horizon Fishing is here to make your fishing experience unforgettable. Our expert guides, top-quality equipment, and personalized trips are just what you need to reel in your next big catch.
Book your fishing adventure with Horizon Fishing today and let us help you make the most of your time on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any specific times of year that are best for fishing in Orlando?
The best time is during the spring and fall when many predator fish are more active and feeding aggressively. During the spawning season, bass, for example, are particularly attracted to shiners. However, shiner fishing can be productive year-round in Orlando’s freshwater lakes and rivers.
How do I store extra shiners fish for later use?
It is essential to store them properly to keep them alive for your next fishing trip:
- with a battery-operated aerator to ensure proper oxygen levels.
- Keep them in cool water (but not too cold) to prevent overheating or chilling.
- Change the water regularly to keep them fresh and remove waste.
What are the best locations for fishing in Orlando?
Orlando is home to many great fishing spots where is highly productive. Some of the best areas include:
- Lake Toho Known for its trophy bass, this large lake is a prime location for shiner fishing.
- Ideal for catching shiners and various other species, this creek is great for live bait fishing.
- A large river system where you can target bass and catfish with shiners.
Is shiner fishing suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! It is easy to learn and suitable for anglers of all skill levels. If you’re new to fishing, our experienced guides at Horizon Fishing will walk you through the process and ensure that you have an enjoyable and successful trip.
How deep should I fish with shiners?
The depth at which you fish with shiners depends on the species you’re targeting and the time of day. In the early morning and late afternoon, fish are often closer to the surface, so you can fish your shiner near the top. However, during midday or hotter weather, fish may retreat to deeper areas, so you may need to fish your shiner at a greater depth.
