The Best Way to Catch Lots of Minnows

All images and illustrations by Daniel Ray

Live bait can often make the difference when fishing. Although artificial lures can be productive, there are times will fish will only strike live bait. Relying on a bait store to provide minnows can be expensive, not to mention they may only have a limited supply. The fastest way to fill up a live well with minnows is with a cast net. With just a few throws, you can provide enough minnows for a long day of fishing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

The Best Way to Catch Lots of Minnows

Things You’ll Need:

Cast net Commercial chum mix Oatmeal Tuna Jack mackeral Sand
Cast net
Commercial chum mix
Oatmeal
Tuna
Jack mackeral
Sand

Step 1

Locate an area where minnows are known to live. Anchor your boat upwind and maneuver into a good position for netting.

Step 2

Purchase commercial chum mix or make your own. Mix equal parts of oatmeal and tuna or jack mackeral. Add some sand to the mixture to help the chum sink.

Step 3

Make chum balls the size of a golf ball and start chumming. Continue until you can see the minnows or you notice ripples on the water's surface from the minnows underneath.

Step 4

Get into position and cast the net over the minnows. Retrieve the net and open over a 5-gallon bucket. Quickly free the minnows from the net and place in the live well.

Step 5

Change locations if no minnows are caught. Some minnows are net-shy and you may have to make a long and stealthy throw to catch them.

Tips & Warnings

Use caution when throwing a cast net.

Resources

Fish4Fun

Article Written By Daniel Ray

Daniel Ray has been writing for over 15 years. He has been published in "Florida Sportsman" magazine. He holds an FAA airframe and powerplant license and FCC radiotelephone license, and is also a licensed private pilot. He attended the University of South Florida.

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