How to Make a Minnow Trap Out of Wire

To make a simple minnow trap, all you need is a few items from the sporting good store, or you may even have the supplies you need readily available in your own home or garage. By making your own minnow trap, you can save a lot of money rather than paying for bait. Making your own minnow trap can be fun and economical.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Screen wire
Small spool of thin stainless steel wire
Fishing sinkers
Durable string
Thin rope

Step 1

Roll the screen wire into a cone shape. Roll the cone to the size that you want. Make the opening big enough as you would like but make sure the tip is closed shut.

Step 2

Tie the side of the cone with thin wire. Use the thin wire as if it were thread to make stitches through the holes of the screen. Make firm and well-connected stitches to give your screen wire cone a sturdy form.

Step 3

Weigh the the pointed end of your cone down with the fishing sinkers. Use enough sinkers to be able to force the trap to sink rapidly.

Step 4

Cut the durable string into two short pieces. Use the string to tie each side of the open end of your cone to make handles.

Step 5

Fasten the thin rope to the handles you made with the durable string. This will act as your fishing line for throwing and dragging your cone trap through the water to collect minnows.

Tips & Warnings

Check your area's local rules and regulations regarding minnow trapping.

Wear protective gloves as the screen wire may have rough or sharp edges.

Article Written By Rona Aquino

Rona Aquino began writing professionally in 2008. As an avid marathon runner and outdoor enthusiast, she writes on topics of running, fitness and outdoor recreation for various publications. Aquino holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and English from the University of Maryland College Park.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...