Anyone ever use a minnow trap for bullheads??

I was thinking about using a minnow trap for the bullies. Anyone ever try this??

They dont work too good. In order to have a minnow trap capable of bullies you will have to buy a minnow license where you can use a larger trap.

I use the standard Frabill minnow traps in one of my favorite bullhead spots. I get bullheads but they are the smaller ones: 4″ – 5″ bullheads. The traps work good, a friend of mine shared a technique he uses to improve his minnow trapping results. He recommends placing the traps so the openings are parallel with the shore. He felt he caught more minnows that way – so that is how I always try to place mine when I put them out. I think what happens is the trap catches minnows and the bullheads go in the trap after the minnows. When you take the bullheads out of the trap they are just fat and full of minnows. I usually put the traps out in the evening and check them early the next morning. If there is nothing in them I will move them until I find a spot. Once you catch some in a particular spot it seems to work pretty consistently.

The regulations on traps in listed on page 70 of the 2006 MN Fishing Regulations under Minnows and Leeches. I was going to make the opening bigger on my traps to see if I could get some bigger bullheads but the regulations specifically states the opening may not exceed 1 1/2 inches.
The reg also states that the traps must have a waterproof tag bearing the name and address of the owner. I made some business sized cards with my name and address and laminated them and just used a cable tie to attach the laminated address card to the trap.

I was going to read the regs today. I was hoping I could customize a little and make the opening bigger but guess not eh. I may switch gears and net. The pond were we get them is man made and olny about 5-6 ft deep so I may go that direction. We did catch a few last night but I would like to be able to do this before I head out and time is my issue. Thanks for the info guys!

You can have a larger opening with a minnow license. I believe its 2 1/2″ and the trap cant exceed 4’x4’x8′, or block more than 50% of a waterway(creek).

The 2 1/2″ opening would be ideal.