First I want to say hello as this is my first post to this wonderful site. I have been reading the NANFA forums and other related information on darters for over a month now. I am ready to dive in! I have been an avid CPR fisherman for a 20+ years and have just recently started up my fresh water aquarium again after a 5 hiatus. I was going to try for a sunfish tank, but have decided I want darters!

I am looking for some help. I purchased a dipnet last week and have been practicing around the Scioto below Griggs. All I get around there are shiners and smallmouth bass. As I do with trying to find new spots for my smallmouth addiction, I have spent long hours with Google Maps trying to find spots that might have darters. I am at a loss. I find areas that I think might produce but they are all on private property. I have scanned over many documents from OSU on the subject and most testing reports are back from 2001 and also were tested on private property, a lot around the Darby.

I am not asking anyone to give up their honey holes, but maybe just a hint in the right direction would be nice. Or do I need to get out of Franklin county and for a long drive?

Thank you!

A seine may be better than a dipnet. But for Ohio pick a river or stream or creek, go to the water, find a riffle and start catching darters. Shouldn't be too much harder.

I like shallower water where I can see the bottom. Pick up rocks very slowly and you should see darters swim out from underneath. Try to herd them into your net. You should be able to find a variety of darters.

Before you take any home though, make sure you know your darter species as central Ohio has a few protected species.

Andy

PS what is a CPR fishermen? 1-2-3-4-5 spit water 1-2-3-4-5 spit water!

Edited by andyavram, 18 August 2009 - 03:07 PM.

I have been looking into a seine net, but that is for another day. I will be doing this solo.

And CPR= Catch Photo Release

Welcome to the forum! I use a 4' x 4' seine when I'm by myself, it's good for darters. I place the seine in a riffle with me in front of it, and I scuff my feet and kick the rocks around and quickly pick up the seine. It's called the "darter dance". It's easier with more people, three is perfect: two to hold the seine and one to dance.

Now isn't the best time of year, the water is down, and warm, and the fish are stressed. Fall and spring are better. Maybe in a few weeks someone will organize a collecting trip.

Best luck I've had with a dipnet is finding someplace with a very narrow channel at the bottom of a riffle that the dipnet will cover. Smash the dipnet into the substrate to keep them from swimming under and hold it there. Then get darter dancing as already described. When you reach the net pull it up and see what you've got.

I have a lot of luck with rainbows and orangethroats with this method. If you're looking for a specific species you'll obviously have to adjust for their specific niches.

I wouldn't assume private property is off limits in all cases. You can always just drive around, knock on doors and ask. I've always had good luck asking permission for hiking private land, and I don't think most landowners would miss a few "minnows."

lerxst,

Welcome to the forum! I hope that you find your stay both enjoyable and informative! Best of luck with the darter hunt, too! Welcome!

Brian