Can anybody recommend a minnow trap that won't damage the fish being caught? I'm currently using a galvanized metal trap but the shiners I catch all take some damage from slamming into the sides. Their heads almost fit through and I'm seeing a lot of damage on their faces. I'm looking for something softer I guess, but still versatile and reasonably priced. Thanks!

Can anybody recommend a minnow trap that won't damage the fish being caught? I'm currently using a galvanized metal trap but the shiners I catch all take some damage from slamming into the sides. Their heads almost fit through and I'm seeing a lot of damage on their faces. I'm looking for something softer I guess, but still versatile and reasonably priced. Thanks!

I've had that problem too with my wire mesh one. I've got an all glass one that looks like an old 2gallon or so canning jar with inward tapered holes. It doesn't cause any damage, but the smaller ones usually wash back out when I take it up from the water. I guess wrapping some small mesh screen around it before removal might work. I've never tried that. I typically just use my wire one and only leave it unattended for short times while I'm still in the area playing around(fishing). The problem has become quite minimal since I've started doing it this way.
The all glass ones, if you can find one, can be a little pricey, but they sure do look cool.(for whatever that's worth). It can also double as a good yellow jacket trap.

Steve.

you could make your own. I have cut the top of a gatorade bottle and reversed in and pushed it in and tied it in a couple places to hold together. 2 liter bottle would work but the hole would probably be too small. poke holes around it to help it sink better.

Many minnow traps are sold with a vinyl coating and you can find them online. I've had one I got at the local general store with a black vinyl dip coating for a year or more, and never had a problem with injured fish. I also take it for granted that when I'm collecting shiners in particular, they'll lose a scale or two by the time they make it home.