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 107 comments about “Make your own minnow trap”
Comment page: « 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 [2] 1 »
Comment page: « 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 [2] 1 »
Slow down and watch carefully, and you’ll be amazed at the things you see in nature.
April 4th, 2007 at 4:03 pm
This trap is really worth taking the 15 minutes to make it and give it a try. I think it works better than most ideas.
April 4th, 2007 at 2:51 pm
minnows aren’t that smart but they are not stupid. (beleive me i have tried)
April 3rd, 2007 at 12:35 pm
I like It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 3rd, 2007 at 6:30 am
i am going to try it!!!!!!
April 2nd, 2007 at 6:54 pm
I would use a one valve so if the minos are smart they could get out.
April 2nd, 2007 at 7:21 am
Nice but i would not use it. (’–’)
April 1st, 2007 at 8:00 pm
I am deffenetly going to do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 1st, 2007 at 4:42 pm
this is cool you should try it because minnios are imposible to cacth without it
April 1st, 2007 at 3:16 pm
This works great in deep spots in rivers. I caught alot of minnows and some crawfish it was really cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 31st, 2007 at 8:08 pm
i like the idea and next time im on vacation or going out fishing ill try it.