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The term “minnow” encompasses a wide variety of small fish including suckers, smelt, small perch, and sculpins. Minnows are the most reliable bait for catching big fish, because big fish naturally depend on smaller fish for all or most of their diet. Minnows are sold in bait shops, but to catch wild minnows, start by dragging a six- to eight-foot minnow seine at the depth of a few feet, hauling it straight back to the shore. Do this even if minnow schools are not visible because they are often hidden among weeds or other cover.
This bait collection technique may be regulated or even banned in some states, so check with the local state fishing regulations before using it.
To keep minnows alive, use a large porous, self-cooling minnow bucket. Minnows keep better when they are cool but not cold.
If the minnows at home die before the trip, wrap them individually and place them in the freezer. Then take them in a thermos or ice cooler on the trip and unwrap them as needed.
Small hooks and light leaders should be used when fishing with minnows. Minnows can be hooked in the back, through the lips, or near the tail behind the dorsal fin.
Suckers are favored by pickerel, Northern pike and muskies.
Smelt work well for trout and landlocked salmon.
Tiny minnows are taken readily by panfish and trout in small streams.
Medium (3- to 4-inches long) minnows are preferred by smallmouths, walleyes and large trout.
Large minnows are better for muskies and big northerns.Shiners are the most available and widely used minnow.
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