BL Workshop
Make your own minnow trap
Click here for a PDF version of these instructions.
You’re ready for fishing. You’ve got everything … but bait. And no cash to buy any. Well, forget throwing money at minnows. Gather your own! It’s simple with this easy-to make trap. Here’s how:
You’ll Need:
- Two plastic soda pop bottles. The three-liter size is best, but two-liter will do.
- One woodworking nail, about 6-penny size (the exact size is unimportant).
- Some twine, kite string or something similar.
- Adult permission and/or help.
For tools, scrounge up a pair of sturdy scissors and locking pliers (such as Vise-Grip) or common slip-joint pliers. A utility knife can help with initial cuts but isn’t necessary. You’ll also need a controllable flame source — the kitchen stove is perfect.
STEP 1: Label one bottle “A” and the other “B.” Cut off the bottom one-third of bottle A and put in your home recycling bin. Leave the bottle cap on.
STEP 2: On B, cut off the neck & shoulders, close to the top of the bottle label. It should be cut just below — maybe a half inch or so — where the sides begin to straighten out. Toss the bottom and spare bottle cap in the recycling bin.
STEP 3: The remaining steps should be done near your flame source, with the pliers and nail handy. Keep a bowl with cold water nearby also. Fit funnelshaped piece (B) into the bottom of A so it points toward A’s remaining bottle cap. It should now form a nice little “cave.”
STEP 4: Holding the two bottles together firmly in your weak hand (left hand if you’re right-handed, right if you’re left-handed), turn on the flame with the other hand. Pick up the pliers with your free hand and firmly grasp the nail near its head with the pliers. Carefully hold the nail over the flame so that it gets good and hot.
STEP 5: Keeping your grip on both the A and B bottle parts and the hot nail in the pliers, push the nail point through both the funnel and bottle, in 10 to 12 spots around the lip of the “cave” that we mentioned. Drop the hot nail into the cold water.
STEP 6: Using your string or twine, sew the two bottle parts together. Alternately, simply cut the string into short pieces, using the same number of pieces as there are holes, and individually tie each hole up so that the two plastic parts A and B don’t come apart.
STEP 7: Reheat the nail as in Step 4, and put a bunch of holes all over the sides of the bottle (A). A couple of dozen should do it.
Setting Your Minnow Trap
To use your trap, add some bread or cracker bits through the funnel (B). Sink the trap in your favorite pond or lake for a few hours, preferably overnight. Tie it securely to a dock or tree. The minnows will go in the trap but aren’t smart enough to get out. Next morning, simply open the bottle cap and pour the minnows into your bait bucket. You’re all set for a day of fishing!
Read 123 comments about “Make your own minnow trap”
Comment page: « 13 … 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 [1]
Comment page: « 13 … 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 [1]
Put a candle in a container and then place it in water. What will happen? 
Challenge someone to blow a piece of paper into an empty soda bottle. They can't do it!
March 6th, 2007 at 10:13 am
Will try all the minnow trap suggestions next time I go on vacation, and report back. Nice job BW.
March 5th, 2007 at 11:38 pm
I think you should use a larger bottle if you want to catch more minnows!
March 5th, 2007 at 12:03 am
Hmm … I’m not so sure that invention will work so well. The fish are probably smart enough to get out of the trap. Here’s one way that works for me that is much faster. You will need a window screen about 3′x3′ — anything around that size will work. You will also need some fishing line and a piece of bait that is solid and will not fall off if tied (e.g. a shrimp or some tough meat from mom’s beef stew last night, etc.). First, string about a foot of the fishing line through the center of the screen and tie it off in the middle of the line. Then, place the bait atop the line and securely tie the bait down. Then, cut the string into four equal sections. Tie each length of line to each corner of the screen. Drop the screen into the water, holding the four strings. Then, busy yourself for about 15 minutes. Return to the site and pull up the screen, making sure that each line is level. You will have a large catch of fish in a much shorter time.