Make sure they are kept at the same climate as they would be when you dunk them under the ice. You do not need to feed them but keep aerated. I forgot the literal terms why but they will live for months with nothing. Just swap out some water every so often and your good.
I'm sure someone might have a better description but this is what i have done for a few years and no worries.
'Ya suppose it would be a GOOD IDEA to set my aquarium back up strictly for arkansas shiners? whatdya supose they'd eat?...I'm sure they'd be ALL OVER the bio-food I have and then I could just buy them all winter and be stocked ANYTIME I WANT in the spring and summer---I kept my fish alive for 11 yrs in that tank,,,whats the diference if they're shiners ?
edited:12/9/11-----I want to keep this one in the 'day-light'...this is one of the rare times I'm ACTUALLY BEIN' SERIOUS about seeking some first hand fishing knowledge(Thanks for the tips so far JayWallz...)& although I TOO enjoy getting "ripped" by guys w/ more experience who say "It'll NEVER work" ect...In this instance I'd rather hear from someone who does this RIGHT NOW and can give me the QWIX of it and I can get rollin' ASAP...I've got a 30gal tank with KILLER filters..set up isn't in question...How many would SAFLEY survive...food choices...AND MOST IMPORTANTLY...is it legal to do...or will PETA put me on a wanted poster?
peta who ?
i tried it once - they died after 3 days - but was normal shiners form outdoor store - and im not a aquarium pro - just got an old tank from a buddy with air and filter
but go for it and report i need a close by place to get fresh live bait
will do bro work is just crazy atm with all that xmas bull