Minnow traps and bait preservation

[Esox]

Just about time to get the minnow traps out and start collecting my walleye candy for the winter. What is everyone’s favourite bait for minnows? Also, how is everyone preserving them for winter?

[pikergolf]

I salt mine heavily (coarse salt) and put them in a stainer in the fridge with a bucket underneath for a day or two and then vacuum seal. The salt draws a lot of moisture out and the calendar allows the moisture to drain. I have had luck using bread in the trap.

Interesting observation.... I know of a place loaded with minnows. I put a trap out while fishing for minnows with hook and line. Sometimes the minnow trap will catch a lot in five minutes and then not another for over an hour. Cannot figure that out, even moving twenty yards, nothing? While I am still catching them with hook and line.

[Tigrr]

Actually cut up wieners work best.

[.243dude]

https://albertaregulations.ca/fishingregs/general-regs.html

Can’t use bait in minnow traps.

[Dewey Cox]

I use hypnosis to lure minnows into the trap.
And somehow catfood ends up in there too (I blame squirrels.)

[Coiloil37]

Hamburger or liver in a piece of pantyhose works great for minnows and leaches in Alberta.

To preserve, mix a brine with salt and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). The bicarb sets the scales and colour and prevents bacteria from growing. The salt firms them up. I make the brine in a cooler or bucket starting with saltwater then add sea salt and a little bicarb. Then I put a few 2l jugs of ice to keep it cold and I give mine a couple hours. I always read min 8 hours but I’ve never had the patience.

[pikergolf]

https://albertaregulations.ca/fishingregs/general-regs.html

Can’t use bait in minnow traps.

Is this what you are hung up on?

It is illegal to set out or use bait to attract fish unless the bait is attached to a hook used in angling.

Because the synopsis treats fish and bait fish differently.

[Dark Wing]

I use dog food and salt my miinows afterwards.

[.243dude]

Is this what you are hung up on?

It is illegal to set out or use bait to attract fish unless the bait is attached to a hook used in angling.

Because the synopsis treats fish and bait fish differently.

Just how I interpreted the regs. Carry on and enjoy dealing with F&W :)

[Jigger]

Just how I interpreted the regs. Carry on and enjoy dealing with F&W :)

Have you confirmed the interpretation with f&w?

[dodgeboy1979]

dry cat food works real well for baiting the traps.

[Dark Wing]

Just how I interpreted the regs. Carry on and enjoy dealing with F&W :).

I know a guy who baited a minnow trap and got a fine for not marking his trap with his name and win #. He didn’t get ticketed for the bait in the trap.

[Freedom55]

Anyone want to buy a minnow trap? Can't use 'em here. And that rifle 'dude' is wrong unless you trap perch or other sport fish. Or pen walleye right ahead of a derby:mad0030:

Free

[pikeman06]

Caging walleye has been going on since tournaments started. Put a lil money on the line and mankind will try to win the easy way eventually.

[RMauthe]

Wondering where this minnow trapping is taking place? Ponds, sloughs, lakes?

Sounds like fun!

[Dewey Cox]

Creeks