What is this common baitfish?

[Dux-R-Us]

For years I been buying and fishing with these but have never thought about what species they are. Does anyone know? (picture on screen not to scale. fish is about 2.5 in. in length.) Are they raised and sold or caught wild?

 

[brandt9913]

They are raised and sold. Suchy's Minnow in Purcell is one of the main wholesaler's.

Not a damn clue about the species. You are the scientist Kevin. Look it up.

 

[dennishoddy]

Ive always thought it was just a common shiner. To be sure one would have to count the dorsal and anal rays, and compare to this:

Common Shiner (Notropis cornutus): These fish are one of the most common type of bait fish and are almost exclusively stream dwellers. The Common Shiner can be identified by the nine rays on its anal fin and terminal mouth. This minnow is typically bluish silver on the sides and greenish blue on the back., save for breeding season in which case the male gains a rose colored tail and anal fin. The Shiner grows about 5â€"10 cm (2â€"4 in) within one year and reach a size of 13 cm (5 in) at adulthood.

 

[argyle64]

So then my question is: Where do you hook it? Beneath the dorsal fin or through the lips?

 

[dennishoddy]

I typically hook mine through the eyes,(it won't kill them) or under the dorsal fin.

 

[striped1]

If for walleyes, I would hook through the lips.
Through the ice, I would hook behind the dorsal.

 

[poopgiggle]

If for walleyes, I would hook through the lips.
Through the ice, I would hook behind the dorsal.

MICHIGAN RESIDENT DETECTED

 

[Dux-R-Us]

I normally hook them in the back when using a bobber. When I put the bait on the bottom, the hook goes through the lips.

 

[Dux-R-Us]

Thanks Dennis. You amaze me. Add another line to your CV; fish taxonomist.

 

[Dux-R-Us]

MICHIGAN RESIDENT DETECTED

Michiganers can easily be spotted. They usually have a third eye brow or other somatic mutation from all the mercury, DDE, and PCB's they have ingested during their Friday fish fries.