Would like to start dipnetting or netting somehow. What do I need, where are the best places to buy it and can I use it is weedy/lillypaddy waters? Thank you very much.

I have a short list of essentials:
ID book
waders
seine
dipnet

As far as the best places to try: Everywhere! Try all the different places you can but if you're sampling alone, small creeks are a great place to start.
I think the quickest way to learn is with an experienced NANFA member on the other end of a seine. If at all possible, try and get in on one of the group outings or arrange to meet with another nearby NANFA member and seine water they know a little about. If you let folks know where you're from (you don't have to be specific), you might find members that could use a hand pulling a seine.

Dipnets will work in just about any location (even warm shallow water with lilies) but will likely limit what you catch to some extent. If alone, dip the shoreline vegetation and other dense structure. If you have a partner, seine all the water you can.

Ditto Uland. There aren't a lot of NANFAn's in your part of the country, but it helps to have an experienced partner. Otherwise - just get out there. Trial and error works too...

I just started collecting as well. I got a 4 ft seine, dipnet, waiders, and went out on my own last week. I had never used a seine before, but I attached a couple of old broomstick handles and attempted the 1 person shuffle. It actually worked out pretty well. I got a few different species of fish and learned quite a bit romping around the creek. Just get out and try, you will have a blast.

Do I ned any permits or anything?

a regular fishing licence covers the minnows and stuff listed in the Regs (which include darters), anything not in the list however your SOL unless you can prove that your using it for scientific/educational purposes, in which you must go through the MNR to get a permit

Edited by panfisherteen, 28 October 2009 - 09:15 PM.