Minnow Traps...

[ButchVA]

I am not sure if there is a area for this; however, I have purchased a minnow trap.  I normally do not use live bait, but I want to give it a go.  What do you all use in your traps.  I am trying to do this cheap, I have found some stuff online talking about hot dogs, bread, dog food, cat food, and even gum.  So, I am curious as to what you all use in a lake setting that does have some water movement.  

 

 

thanks,

Butch.

[Insanity]

Never put mine in a lake but I've done creeks and ponds. I'd bait the same a little dry dog food and a slice of bread. They like both but the dog food last longer if the bluegill get in there.

[scaleface]

I use to use them all the time in creeks . They always got stolen. I finally got smart and covered it with rocks and it never got swiped again. I used a slice of bread to lure the minnows inside. Dont be surprised if you find a drowned snake in it .

[travis23]

Some type of bread. Dog food lasts a little longer. find a small creek bend or a small hole in the creek and drop it in. Go back the next day and it should have plenty to fish with. I had a lot of good memories using minnow traps as a kid.

[bassman201]

i nnpersonally just use bread but, it wouldnt hurt to try dogfood,hotdog,or any other bb you have heard of to see what works best for you.

[Insanity]

I use to use them all the time in creeks . They always got stolen. I finally got smart and covered it with rocks and it never got swiped again. I used a slice of bread to lure the minnows inside. Dont be surprised if you find a drowned snake in it .

Lol them stupid snakes. Been there seen that two. But now you done went and ruined the suprise. He will be expecting it now. Lol

[ward131]

I keep one under my dock with dog food. Not only do I catch bait but I can see what is in the pond. When i start catching crayfish I know what to throw. Which shiner or minnow is abundant and when the blue gill are moving.

[moguy1973]

I only use mine in streams, and I use saltine crackers crumbled up in it.  I use a plastic bottle though, not one of the mesh ones.

[BigMoneyGrip]

I put a couple of saltines in mine and it works.

[ButchVA]

I only use mine in streams, and I use saltine crackers crumbled up in it.  I use a plastic bottle though, not one of the mesh ones.

Plastic bottle?

[CRANKENSTIEN]

When my kids were younger they had a minnow trap that they would bait with anything left over from the kitchen and it would seem to work.  Left over fried fish seemed to work good for them.   

[moguy1973]

Plastic bottle?

 

Yeah, it's made out of two 2-liter bottles.

 

 

I have to put a few rocks in it in the streams I fish so it sinks and stays on the bottom but it works pretty good.

[ButchVA]

Yeah, it's made out of two 2-liter bottles.

 

 

I have to put a few rocks in it in the streams I fish so it sinks and stays on the bottom but it works pretty good.

 

 

nice

[Catch 22]

 Well this may sound a little crazy but it works. Put about two dozen or maybe even 24 pieces of styrofoam about the size a sugar cubes in the trap. That's all. The bubbles released seem to be the attractant. Change them out after 2 or 3 uses.

 

Creeks would be my choice. All the above mentioned food will work.

C22

[ButchVA]

wow, that's a different idea C22

[Brayberry]

Can you catch crawfish in the minnow trap? Just asking since they sell a similar trap made for crawfish, that looks identical except for a larger opening

[ward131]

Can you catch crawfish in the minnow trap? Just asking since they sell a similar trap made for crawfish, that looks identical except for a larger opening

Yes! if it's in the pond it ends up in my trap.

[Brayberry]

Yes! if it's in the pond it ends up in my trap.

What do you bait it with? Hot Dog? I assume meat of somekind

[ward131]

I use dog food. I'm sure there is meat in there.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

I use cereal any kind fruit loops work the best though.i put them in my saltwater creeks about 2 mins and i have enough to last all day .they fill it so fast with so many when i flip it to open i loose half of them

[Brayberry]

I use cereal any kind fruit loops work the best though.i put them in my saltwater creeks about 2 mins and i have enough to last all day .they fill it so fast with so many when i flip it to open i loose half of them

We do the same thing with dog food and bread in saltwater creeks and can catch 100's of gudgeons in each trap

[ButchVA]

I did not catch any today. I tried something different put sandwich meat in it this time. I'll let you know tomorrow if I get any. I'm trying a different spot to.

[MassBass]

Hot dogs will attract monster snapping turtles.

[buzzed bait]

i had one in the lake all weekend with a slice of bread and not one minnow....   i was really wanting to snag some minnows for crappie fishing this past weekend, but that didn't seem to work out.

 

as a kid, we'd put the same setup in the creek in front of my house and have dozens or more in a day's time.  i think i'll have to set it in the creek or river somewhere next time i want some live bait....

[ButchVA]

Well, the 2nd night I put it out I did not Gerry anything either. My friend told me I put it out too far, so I'll try something next time I go out by putting it somewhere else.