Well, sounds like I definitely don't have the equipment to keep alewives alive this time of year. My tank is homemade and it does fine early in the year but i doubt it will work now. also, never pumped water from that deep to keep them cool. really appreciate that info stripernut.
i think if i return this month i'll buy the shiners and curse them all morning until i hook up . at least if i don't catch anything i can blame the shiners!
headbanger i use the frozen water bottle method too. it works just fine for cooling the temps off a few degrees.