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.
January 2nd, 2008 at 11:22 am
yes it wil chach crayfish……. If u want cray fish use raw baccon but they also eat just a bout any meat soource, cut up fish is the best….. minnows the eat crakers, bread, ect……..
January 1st, 2008 at 7:19 pm
this sounds like a good i dea iv made two and cant wait to use it
December 10th, 2007 at 9:04 pm
Here is a tip if you set your trap in a deep lake:
In the opening of the 1st bottle,add a door. Like a picece of light metal. Add an opening for the latcth. Make sure it stretches over the opening. Make a hole in the opposite end of the latch and in the part where the door is birectly below. Then add rope or twine to make the door open and close. Have fun with my invension!
December 10th, 2007 at 8:48 pm
In my lake, there is ducks. Will the trap work? Please awnser me.
December 10th, 2007 at 8:34 pm
I don’t know how to open the bottle cap deep in the water. Mabye you can add a piece of heavy paper when they get in the cave. Please help me.
December 10th, 2007 at 8:22 pm
I will show this to my dad. If this works, I will keep some as pets or put up our own bait shop and sell them. I loved reading this.( Also, to attract a lot of minnows, get a piece of large, loose dirt by the pond and simply wait). ( You will need to have your trap set and make sure the dirt is by the pond.
December 2nd, 2007 at 3:37 pm
this is cool
December 1st, 2007 at 3:35 pm
This is a really good idea.
However,will it catch crayfish too?
PS. Crayfish Rules!
November 18th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
whats alll the bait i can use
November 18th, 2007 at 5:03 pm
milk jug 1 gallon works to