Bait shops: Best shiners

[Palms44]

Now that ice fishing season seems to be here...looking for any suggestions in where to go to get shiners? Looking for a bait shop in my area that has a good reputation...I am in the Franklin area...usually fish Central MA, but looking to take my young boys out to teach them how to ice fish...I know how long I am willing to stay out in the cold...just not sure how long they are. Thanks

[uptonfloyd]

Must be someplace closer, but since you're at least in my ballpark I'd say that there's always amply supply and good service at Fin and Feathers on Rt. 140 in Upton...

Watch the little fellas, especially if you've got a 10" auger. They don't go all the way through, but nothing cuts your trip short like having one of them up to his hips in a fresh hole. Doesn't make the bride too happy when one of the boots stays behind on the pond bottom either...

[Palms44]

Thanks for the heads up....how is Pratt Pond for Ice Fishing? Took my oldest to the fishing derby hosted by the Police Dept. there and all types of fish out were being pulled out of there.

[uptonfloyd]

Pratt almost always produces, and there is an occasional bigger fish, but in general, most fish aren't large. (I mainly wait and fish it in the spring after the trucks have rolled.

When I have the extra couple of minutes, I run to Whitehall (which is a very nice drive from Upton through the state forest), or even Hopkinton Reservoir, as both always hold the truer potential for something exceptional.