Minnow trapping/keeping

[FlyBoy]

Does anyone trap and maintain a supply of minnows themselves? If so, how do you trap them and where are your more sucessful spots to trap (rivers, creeks, lakes, etc)?

If you maintain a supply, do you have any hot tips on keeping them alive? More than just cool and full of oxygen?

I use quite a few minnows during a summer, it isn't that I mind buying them, its more that the bait shop isn't always open when I would like it to be, or I have to buy them in advance (too far in advance)

Thanks for any thoughts.

[Eyez]

I usually trap minnows in shallow sloughs, and shiners and chubs in creeks. I keep mine in tubs in the basement, and that means lots of water changing, but I'm working on moving mine into a building out in the yard, and setting up a trickle system from the well for next summer so I won't have to do that. Cool water is the key, and removing dead minnows so they don't make the water skunky. If you've got a building with a dirt floor that you can keep dark, it will stay fairly cool even on hot days, or you can keep a few dozen in a big tank in an old refrigerator. That might be best for you, since you're not looking to store large numbers, especially if you don't have facilities that allow lots of room and fresh water.


Good trapping,
Dusty

[FlyBoy]

Do the minnows you keep mind regular tap water? I've got a well at home, so there isn't any treatment... I've never kept minows for an extended period of time, I've added water now and then and it didn't seem to matter.


-John

[C J Hughes]

I keep minnows all summer long in the back of my truck .I bought one of the plastic tool bins that is as wide as the bed of the truck and as deep as the bed of the truck.I painted it white to keep it cool,I made an aeorator out of a bilge pump motor 12 volt connected to flex hose which is connected to pvc with holes drilled in it.I also use well water which is fine.I don't use this truck for anything but fishing,so I'm not driving it around with all of that water in it all of the time.I made a minnow trap that is 6ft long and 3ft in dia. I set this in the deep holes in small creeks.I also seine minnows.When it is really hot I park my truck under the shade trees in my yard.I have kept them up to 2 weeks,you just don't want to over due it with to many in it at a time..

[CO]

The size of your trap is illegal in many areas. Check your State or Provincial Regs before you trap. You will save yourself a court visit.

[Dirk W.]

I have an aerator I got from Memphis Net and Twine Company called the Min-o-aire system. About 34 bucks and worth every penny. It plugs into an ordinary outlet and works like a charm. No messing with batteries. It will keep your minnows alive forever as long as you keep your water reasonably fresh. Keep your bait in the largest container possible. I use a cooler and store it in the garage, even in the summer. I really dont know if I need to but during really hot weather I rotate frozen gallon jugs of H2O to keep things cool. If you notice that your bait is getting blotches of fungus growing on their skin they've got about one-two days to live. Get the sick ones out of the tank and clean the water. Good fishing!!!