Common Shiner Fishing: How to Catch Them Like a Pro

Understanding the Common Shiner

Before you head out to fish for common shiners, it’s helpful to know a bit about their behavior and habitat:

• Appearance: The common shiner typically has a sleek, silvery body with a slight metallic sheen. They grow up to 7 inches in length and have a slightly upturned mouth. They are a popular bait fish for larger predator fish like bass, walleye, and pike.

• Habitat: Common shiners thrive in clear, slow-moving rivers, streams, and lakes. They prefer areas with plenty of vegetation, submerged rocks, and gravel beds. You’ll often find them in the shallows, especially in the warmer months when they move closer to the shore to spawn.

• Behavior: These fish are social and often travel in schools, especially in the warmer months. They feed on smaller invertebrates, plant matter, and small aquatic organisms, which makes them a great source of food for larger predatory fish.

Gear and Equipment

To catch common shiners like a pro, you don’t need an extensive array of gear. Here are some basic tools you’ll need:

1. Rod and Reel: A light to ultralight spinning rod is ideal for catching common shiners. These rods offer enough sensitivity to feel the subtle bites of the small shiner but are not too stiff for casting small baits. Pair it with a spinning reel with a smooth drag system.

2. Line: Light monofilament or fluorocarbon line is recommended for shiner fishing. A 2- to 6-pound test line is sufficient for this small species, giving you the sensitivity to detect even the lightest bites.

3. Hooks: Use small hooks, usually between size #10 and #16. For live bait fishing, circle hooks are a good option, while small treble hooks are ideal for artificial lures.

4. Bait: Live bait is often the most effective for catching shiners. You can use smaller minnows, worms, or even small pieces of shrimp. Alternatively, you can use artificial baits like soft plastics, spinners, or small crankbaits that mimic their natural prey.

5. Fishing Net: A small, fine mesh net is helpful for safely landing shiners once they’re caught.

Best Fishing Techniques for Common Shiners

Now that you have the gear, let’s dive into the techniques that will help you catch common shiners like a pro.

1. Using Live Bait

Live bait is one of the most effective ways to attract common shiners. Here’s how to use it:

• Method: Hook the live bait through the lips or back so it can swim freely in the water. Cast the bait near structures like submerged rocks, vegetation, or the edges of a current.
• Location: Shiners often congregate in shallow water with slow current, especially near vegetation and submerged objects where they can find shelter.
• Timing: Early morning or late evening is typically the best time to fish for shiners, as they are more active during these times.

2. Casting Small Lures

If you prefer using lures, small jigs or spinners work great for catching common shiners. Here’s what to do:

• Lures to Use: Small spinners, inline spinners, or micro crankbaits can mimic the natural movement of small baitfish that shiners are drawn to. Try using bright colors or metallic finishes, as they reflect light and can attract shiners even in murky water.
• Retrieving: Cast the lure near schools of shiners and retrieve it slowly, letting it flutter or move erratically in the water to mimic a struggling fish. Experiment with different retrieval speeds to find what works best.

3. Chumming to Attract Shiners

If you’re fishing in an area where shiners aren’t biting, try chumming the water to attract them. Chumming involves adding small bits of baitfish, cornmeal, or bread into the water to entice shiners to gather in the area.

• How to Do It: Throw small handfuls of bait into the water and wait for shiners to appear. Once you see them, start casting your bait or lures into the area where they’ve gathered.

4. Fly Fishing for Shiners

Fly fishing can also be an effective way to catch shiners, especially in clear water. Use small, lightweight flies that resemble minnows or insects to entice shiners.

• Flies to Use: Look for small streamers, nymphs, or dry flies in sizes 14 to 18. Shiners will often go after a well-presented fly drifting with the current.
• Casting: Cast upstream and let the fly drift naturally down toward where you suspect the shiners are feeding.

5. Fishing in Schools

Since shiners are social fish, they often travel in schools. Look for signs of schools on the water’s surface, such as ripples or small splashes, which indicate that they are feeding.

• Strategy: Once you locate a school, cast near the school and retrieve your bait or lure through the middle of it. This increases your chances of hooking one, as the fish are competing for food.

Tips for Success

• Watch the Water: Look for signs of movement or ripples on the water’s surface, as this often indicates that shiners are feeding. Keep an eye on the water’s color—shiners prefer clear water.
• Use Light Tackle: Since shiners are small and quick, light tackle allows you to feel their bites better and makes the fight more enjoyable.
• Be Patient: Sometimes it takes a while for shiners to bite. Be patient and allow your bait or lure to sit for a few minutes before reeling it in.

Conclusion

Catching common shiners may seem simple, but with the right knowledge, gear, and techniques, you can catch them like a pro. Whether you’re using live bait, small lures, or even fly fishing, mastering these strategies will help you land more shiners in no time. With their abundance and accessibility, common shiners are a perfect target for both beginner and experienced anglers alike.

Happy fishing, and may your next outing be filled with schools of active, hungry shiners!