Minnow catching

I know a lake that has these 3-4″ long chunky shiners. There are a few smaller ones in shallow that we can catch with a tiny hook and bait but not enough. In the thinned out weeds in about 5-7′ of water there are bigger schools of these things. Too deep to seign. I was thinking of a drop net for the shallows. Is there anything that you can think of that would work in the deeper water? I don’t think a casting net would work because of the weeds. I haven’t notice them move in shallow in the evening. The larger predators love them. A seigning net you could pull behind a boat may work but I have never seen anything like that.

Watch the shore line during the day. On otter tail they move up with the warming water. Once there in, pull a sein. You should be able to pull more than you need.

What about a minnow trap or is it so popular that the minnow trap would be gone the next day? If it would, what about putting them out in the dark and getting up at the crack of dawn to retrieve them? Any creek chubs/bullies in said spot so we go flathead fishing with them?

ps. You are my least favorite brother.

You could try “Catfish Connection”, here is the link: Catfish Connection Click on the Nets / Seines / Trawlers. You will find most every kind of net for catching bait. Be aware: They may not be legal in Minnesota. One other thing to be aware of – If the waters you are harvesting bait from are listed as “Minnesota Infested Waters” there are special regulations. I recommend becoming familar with the 2007 Minnesota Fishing Regulations, pages 67 – 72. Good Luck!!

this is cool, i was just thinking, is cast nets actually legal in minnesota, i was trying to find info on it in the regulation book, and did not see anything about cast nets. i saw info on seins and bucket nets for minnows but thats it, no info on cast nets. if i could use a cast net for minnows that would be awsome, i know this lake that is flooded with shiners. so if anybody know anything please let me know.

THROW SOME DOG FOOD IN A MINNOW TRAP AND IT WILL FILL QUICKER THAN YOU KNOW IT. A BUDDY OF MINE HAS A POND BEHIND HIS HOUSE FULL OF GOLDEN SHINERS AND WE PULL ABOUT 2-3 HUNDRED OUT EVERY SPRING AND USE THEM ON WINNIE. IN 1 HRS TIME YOU WILL HAVE LIKE 4-6 DOZEN. aNY DOG FOOD WILL WORK.

Hey Fish_4_Fun –
Unfortunately, cast nets are not legal in Minnesota. A few years ago I was going to purchase one and I thought I better check with the DNR before I bought it. I e-mailed them and they responded telling me that cast nets are not legal in MN. The regulation on Page 71 of the 2007 MN Fishing Regulations states, “Licensed angers may take minnows or leeches for their own use with dip nets, traps, or seines.”

Wouldn’t a dip net work Ron?

Most casting nets the holes are too big anyway. Where the minnows congregate, they are cruising a foot under the surface in7ft of water. Maybe a minnow trap anchored to the ground and suspended under the surface with a empty milk jug.

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Wouldn’t a dip net work Ron?

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Ever try scooping up minnows in open water??

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ps. You are my least favorite brother

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Remind me to smack you Sunday

Well if say you were eating a sandwich while netting and some of that dough accidentally dropped in the water, you might accidentally catch a bunch while trying to retrieve your bread with the net.