Catching fathead minnows for bait can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to stock up on live bait for fishing trips. Fathead minnows are popular bait among anglers for their effectiveness in attracting larger fish species like bass, pike, and walleye. Instead of buying fathead minnows from a bait shop, you can easily catch them yourself, saving money and enjoying the process of gathering your own bait. In this guide, we’ll discuss various methods for catching fathead minnows, their habitat, feeding habits, and how you can use them to enhance your fishing success.
Why Catch Fathead Minnows for Bait?
Every avid fisherman knows that live bait is one of the most effective ways to catch fish. However, purchasing fathead minnows can become expensive, especially if you’re fishing multiple times a week. A dozen fathead minnows can cost anywhere from $3 to $5, which can add up quickly. By catching your own minnows, you eliminate this cost and ensure that you always have fresh, live bait available for your fishing expeditions.
In addition to saving money, catching your own minnows is an enjoyable experience. It allows you to connect more deeply with nature and the fishing process, making it a rewarding aspect of your outdoor activities. Plus, it’s a skill that will come in handy whenever you’re in need of live bait. Whether you’re fishing for bass, catfish, or pike, having a steady supply of fathead minnows on hand is a great advantage.
Methods to Catch Fathead Minnows
There are several effective methods for catching fathead minnows, each suited to different environments and fishing needs. Below, we outline the most common techniques for capturing these small but valuable bait fish.
1. Using a Seine Net
One of the most popular and efficient methods for catching fathead minnows is using a seine net. A seine net is a large, rectangular fishing net that is typically used in shallow waters to trap fish. This method works well in rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes, where minnows are abundant.
How to Use a Seine Net
To use a seine net effectively, you need to position it across a current or in an area where fathead minnows are likely to congregate. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose the Right Location: Look for an area with a current or a spot where minnows are known to frequent. Fathead minnows tend to be found near the edges of streams and rivers, in areas with submerged vegetation, or in shallow waters with slow-moving currents.
- Set the Net: Lay the seine net across the current or in the area where minnows are located. The net should be spread out in a wide arc, ensuring that the fish will be pushed into it when disturbed.
- Push the Minnows into the Net: Once the net is in place, start moving toward the minnows and gently push them toward the net. As you move, the minnows will be directed toward the mesh, and they will become trapped once they hit it.
- Collect the Minnows: Once the minnows are trapped in the net, carefully pull the seine net out of the water and gather your bait.
This method is highly efficient, especially if you are trying to catch large numbers of minnows. It can also be used to catch other types of baitfish, such as madtoms or shad, making it a versatile technique for various fishing needs.
Pro Tip: Check out this tutorial video for an in-depth demonstration of using a seine net in rivers, creeks, and streams to catch fathead minnows and other bait fish.
2. Using a Cast Net
Another effective method for catching fathead minnows is using a cast net. A cast net is a circular net with weights around the edge that can be thrown into the water. When thrown correctly, the net opens up and sinks to the bottom, trapping any fish within its confines.
How to Use a Cast Net for Fathead Minnows
- Choose a Clear Area: This method works best in clear water where you can spot large schools of minnows swimming near the surface. Cast nets are highly effective when targeting schools of fathead minnows that are easy to see.
- Throw the Cast Net: Stand on the shore or in a shallow part of the water and throw the cast net out in a circular motion. Try to cover as much area as possible to maximize your chances of catching minnows.
- Reel In the Net: After the net sinks, pull the ropes to gather the fish. If done correctly, the net should have a large number of fathead minnows trapped inside.
Chumming for Better Results
In murky water, where visibility is poor, you can improve your chances of attracting fathead minnows by “chumming” the water. Chumming involves adding food to the water to lure minnows toward your cast net. You can use bread, crackers, chips, or cereal to attract the minnows and bring them into the net’s range.
3. Using a Minnow Trap
A minnow trap is a small, box-like trap that is used to catch minnows over a longer period. Unlike a seine net or cast net, a minnow trap requires patience as it’s not an instantaneous method of capture. However, it can be highly effective if you don’t mind waiting for your bait.
How to Use a Minnow Trap
- Set the Trap: Place the minnow trap in a location with good minnow traffic, such as shallow waters near the shore or in areas with submerged vegetation.
- Bait the Trap: You can bait the trap with food items that attract minnows, including bread, crackers, dog food, or cereal. Place the bait inside the trap to lure the minnows in.
- Wait for Results: Leave the trap overnight or for several hours, then check it to see if you’ve caught any fathead minnows. Be sure to release any non-target species back into the water.
While this method may not catch large quantities of minnows at once, it’s an excellent option for catching fathead minnows over time, especially if you don’t have access to other types of nets.
4. Catching Fathead Minnows with a Rod and Reel
If you don’t have access to a seine net or cast net, you can also catch fathead minnows using a rod and reel. This method requires patience, as fathead minnows are small and can be difficult to hook.
Best Setup for Catching Fathead Minnows with a Rod and Reel
- Small Hooks: Use tiny hooks, as fathead minnows have small mouths. A size #10 or #12 hook should work well.
- Treble Hooks: For better chances of hooking the minnow, use a small treble hook.
- Bait: Small wax worms or small insects are great for catching fathead minnows. You can also use a piece of dough or bread to attract them.
Simply cast your baited hook into an area where fathead minnows are swimming, and wait for a bite. This method requires a little more skill and patience, but it can be an enjoyable way to catch minnows without specialized gear.
Fathead Minnow Habitat and Where to Find Them
Fathead minnows are one of the most common baitfish species in the United States. These minnows can thrive in a variety of aquatic habitats, including rivers, lakes, ponds, and creeks. They are typically found in areas with low water movement, such as shallow waters with dense vegetation or slow-moving streams.
Fathead minnows prefer environments with low oxygen levels, making them well-suited for weedy, mucky, or muddy areas. They often avoid places with strong currents or predators, and their ability to survive in low-oxygen conditions gives them a competitive edge over other fish species.
Some of the best places to find fathead minnows include:
- Shallow Streams and Rivers: Look for them in areas with slow-moving water, such as near the shore or in eddies.
- Ponds and Lakes: Fathead minnows can often be found in the shallow, weedy areas of ponds and lakes.
- Creeks and Ditches: Small creeks and drainage ditches that connect to larger bodies of water are also prime habitats for fathead minnows.
What Do Fathead Minnows Eat?
Fathead minnows are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat a wide variety of foods. Their diet typically includes insects, both larvae and adults, algae, plankton (such as rotifers and copepods), and plant matter. They are bottom feeders and will often consume anything they come across, including decaying organic matter.
If you’re breeding your own fathead minnows, you can feed them commercial fish food to ensure they grow healthy and strong. If you’re using them as live bait, they will naturally attract predatory fish by moving erratically in the water.
Conclusion
Catching fathead minnows for bait is a great way to save money and ensure you always have fresh bait available for your fishing trips. Whether you use a seine net, cast net, minnow trap, or rod and reel, there are plenty of methods for catching these hardy fish. By understanding their habitat, feeding habits, and using the right equipment, you can increase your chances of success and enjoy a rewarding fishing experience.
Remember to check local regulations to ensure you’re following all laws regarding the capture and use of live bait. Happy fishing!