Any collection equipment suggestions for a newbie. I will probably be collecting by myself in local lakes (slow water movement) trying to catch a few small sunnies, maybe some minnows. In my younger years in Brooklyn NY (way back in the 70s) saltwater fishing for snappers we used to catch bait (spearing, shrimp and killies) from the shore without getting in the water using a homemade net. We used 2 window screens sewn together on 3 sides (with monofilimant). The mouth was held open with a large ring about 18" wide by 12" tall made from metal clothes hangers and a handle made from the same tied to a rope. We would put a lead sinker or a small rock in the bottom for weight and rub oily sardines (the cheapest smelliest brand we could find) onto the inside of the screen to attract fish. We would throw it out into the water, wait a few minutes and pull it in quickly. We would get tons of bait and sometimes some larger fish, crabs, etc. Before realizing (by finding this site) that keeping natives was actually a popular hobby with store bought equipment, I was thinking of making one of these nets and giving it a shot in the local lake. Does this sound like it may work to anyone with freshwater collecting experience (I have none) or do you think I would be wasting my time. I haven't yet (planning to get started in the spring) checked local laws regarding this type of fishing (now located in PA), and of course I want to make sure it is legal before trying it.

You are allowed to take bait fish (minnows, darters, catfish, etc.) using a net no bigger than 4' x 4', or a round net no bigger than 4' in diameter. Check the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission web page for more detailed information. Also, check the links to the regs that I posted elsewhere on this forum. If your homemade net is within these dimensions, I would think that you are fine legally.

Sunfish can be used for bait, and they are a game fish. I don't know how a PFBC officer would split that hair if you took a sunfish with a net and he stumbled upon the scene. I would take my fishing rod with me.

You are allowed to take bait fish (minnows, darters, catfish, etc.) using a net no bigger than 4' x 4', or a round net no bigger than 4' in diameter. Check the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission web page for more detailed information. Also, check the links to the regs that I posted elsewhere on this forum. If your homemade net is within these dimensions, I would think that you are fine legally.

Sunfish can be used for bait, and they are a game fish. I don't know how a PFBC officer would split that hair if you took a sunfish with a net and he stumbled upon the scene. I would take my fishing rod with me.

I don't know about PA, but here in GA sunfish can be used as bait BUT must always be caught by hook-and-line. When we go catfishing (we use them as cut bait), we go to the shallows at the local lake with an ulralight and tiny hooks, and sort of flip little bluegills onto the bank. (I'm quite a bit more careful if I plan to put it in a tank...)

A method I like to use is during night time collecting. All you need is a flashlight and headlamp, dip nets, and a bucket. It can be very productive.

I tie up bait traps(you can get them at walmart) with bread(cought loads of shinners and sunnies with it)
you dont even need to be there

note tie it up with fishing line and put a tag with your name and phone number on it.

I tie up bait traps(you can get them at walmart) with bread(cought loads of shinners and sunnies with it)
you dont even need to be there

note tie it up with fishing line and put a tag with your name and phone number on it.

Check your state regs, it may be required by law, not just good advice. It's required here in Pennsylvania, if you leave it unattended.