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”
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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 28th, 2007 at 7:46 pm
I tried this project with two 24oz bottles and duct tape, and within 2 and a half hours, I had caught a three and a half in long trout. Also, instead of using bread I used Wheat Thins, and I did this in a small creek instead of a pond.
April 26th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
I licke your ideea
April 24th, 2007 at 9:27 am
let’s go fishing
April 24th, 2007 at 9:19 am
coool i’ll will try it. there is a realy big lake close to where i live
April 23rd, 2007 at 5:12 pm
This is really cool but does anyone know if it will work in a creek
April 22nd, 2007 at 2:47 pm
Hey, Cman how ’bout building a crawdad trap?
April 22nd, 2007 at 2:44 pm
I’ll try it.Ya’ll have fun fishin’!
April 22nd, 2007 at 10:17 am
yes. i will try it. only question why so important of the size of the hole? wat if its a little smaller wit more holes. like my nickname?
April 19th, 2007 at 9:58 pm
wow i will try it.
April 11th, 2007 at 4:03 pm
this trap really works i set it out overnight and caught 17 minnows and 2 tadpoles.