How do you use a minnow trap?
#1 Guest_fishtanker_*
Posted 17 June 2007 - 07:41 PM
Thanks,
Rick
#2 Guest_killier_*
Posted 17 June 2007 - 07:54 PM
dont crush um and try dogfood let it sit out over night and then look at itOk, I am a Newbie. I have kept tanks and fished my entire life, but I have never fished with live bait. I think a minnow trap might be a great way to collect some great specimens, or if nothing else food for the warmoth. Can anyone offer me any tips, I put one out by a pier for about 3 hours filled with crushed saltines, but no minnows I was very disapoined.
Thanks,
Rick
#4 Guest_sandtiger_*
Posted 17 June 2007 - 09:10 PM
#8 Guest_mzokan_*
Posted 18 June 2007 - 10:04 AM
#9 Guest_nativeplanter_*
Posted 18 June 2007 - 11:58 AM
I also like to take the trap along on family trips where I probably won't be able/allowed to go mucking about due to time and/or dress code. But I can usually toss out and check a minnow trap with out too much grumbling in the background.
I've also used it successfully on small streams where I just can't seem to catch the fish with a net, and a seine would be way too big.
I did have a trap stolen recently when I left it overnight. Very, very dissapointing.
#10 Guest_Irate Mormon_*
Posted 18 June 2007 - 05:38 PM
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In general, my success with traps has been limited at best. Your chances are better if you actually see fish where you want to place the trap.
#12 Guest_CatfishHunter_*
Posted 03 August 2009 - 03:09 PM
#13 Guest_hornpout_*
Posted 17 February 2011 - 07:58 PM
#14 Guest_mikez_*
Posted 18 February 2011 - 11:50 PM
Another tip not mentioned is to put the bait trap along structure like logs and boulders. Fish [and other critters] that wouldn't go to bait will be funneled into the trap.
If eels might be present, check the trap in the evening. If eels get in during the night, they'll eat all the minnows by morning.
#15 Guest_steve_*
Posted 25 January 2012 - 06:26 PM
As is mentioned earlier, placement is everything(almost). Alongside weed beds, beside logs or any type of structure, beside the bank, and under tree roots are all good choices. Completely out of the current, or sometimes just slightly out of the current works well, often depending on what you are trying for. Also, as was mentioned earlier, if you see fish, it's probably a good spot. I just try to position the trap in such a way as to let them be guided into it naturally.
Two important things about placement that I also try to pay attention to:
- If there is any current where I set the trap, I try to set it where the holes are inline with the current. I use the regular cheap wire mesh trap with a hole at each end. I set it to where the current runs in one hole and out the other as fish are usually more likely to swim with the current.
- The more the trap is hidden from view from above, the safer the fish will feel going in to check out a meal. The better you can see the trap the less comfortable the fish will be going into it. This is why under tree roots that are just outside the current works so well. They feel safe and they're close to a possible food source.
There are some good ideas for bait mentioned above. I've tried a variety of things, but I've typically had my best success with just a slice of bread. I don't do anything fancy to it, I just toss it in and let it float. I often take an extra slice or two if I'm going to be out for a while, as it does turn to mush after trying a few spots.
Again, sorry for bringing up an old thread, but since a trap is such an invaluable part of my collecting approach , I hope that someone else may get some good out of these strategies as well.
Steve.
Edited by steve, 25 January 2012 - 06:27 PM.
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