I'm trying to catch my own shiners using a mesh or plastic minnow trap...

Which bait is best in a trap for attracting shiners??

I've heard oatmeal, corn, dog food pellets, bread are good but have no idea..

I have always used hot dogs (cut-up) and dog food. They have worked for me.

If you really wish to catch shiners for fishing learn to bait an area and then throw a  cast net. Although it's not difficult to get a few, it can be quite difficult to get very many. The guys that do this for a living have been practising thier trade after very knowledgeable training and quite a bit of practise.

Dog food is excellet, and fish pellets are better.

Thank guys..I read that they eat planktons.... I am going to the petstore to buy some fish food with zooplankton/phytoplankton.. will try this as bait as well...