I filled up an entire 5 gallon pail in an hour from a local pond a few years ago. I have a black metal trap that is basically two mesh buckets that lock together so its pretty easy to transport. For euthanization, I just dump them into a pail with saturated with salt water and BioDip if desired. The salt also helps keep them firm. Make sure your minnows are all dead before leaving or you could get a fine for possessing live bait fish. Also you are required to have your traps tagged with your name, address and license number. Ive had F&W check my traps a few times so make sure you know the regs about the traps.
Quote:
Collecting Bait Fish
Catching bait fish (such as suckers) by angling, bowfishing or spearfishing is allowed from all waters open to fishing with these methods, even at waters where the collection of bait fish by other means is prohibited. Anglers may collect their own bait fish by minnow trap, dip net and seine net, but these fish must not be sold. The commercial collection of bait fish requires a Commercial Bait Fishing Licence. The following regulations apply to the collection of bait fish for personal use as bait:
The collection of bait fish is not permitted in waters having a bait ban or restriction on the use of bait fish, and in some other specified waters (see each Fish Management Zone for regulations).
The possession of live bait fish is prohibited. All bait fish kept must be killed immediately. Please do not kill more than needed because bait fish are important food for many sport fish.
Fish other than bait fish must be immediately released unharmed. Game fish such as perch must not be kept.
Seine nets may not be larger than 3 m in length and 2 m in depth.
Minnow traps may not have dimensions greater than 60 cm in length by 30 cm in width, depth or diameter.
No more than 2 minnow traps may be used at one time.
Minnow traps must bear the operator’s name, address and Sportfishing Licence number.
Crayfish cannot be used as bait. It is unlawful to possess live crayfish.
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Your best bet is to walk the edges of creeks or ponds and watch for the minnows your looking to trap. The edges of weed beds are a good place to start. Under a dock can also be a good place on larger lakes. The depth the trap should be at can change hourly so you will really have to look for the school before dropping the trap.
If your up for it I'd be willing to show you a spot on the south side and I can show you how to set up your trap.