07-09-2011, 06:50 AM
When I can barely submerge, I'll just throw the bait in without worrying about floating to the top (Ritz crackers. Don't underestimate them.).
When it needs to be fully submerged, I grab a ziplock sandwich baggie and poke a bunch of holes in it. Then, I'll throw a small rock in the bag with the bait to keep it on the bottom of the trap.
If I need to hang the trap, I'll bring a big rock with me to anchor the rope.
If you're tossing into a visible school of minnows, you won't need to soak long at all. I've caught 10lbs of minnows (redside shiners) on a total of 12ea Ritz crackers over the course of about an hour. Even checking after 10 minutes can yield a good trap load if they're nearby.
The canned dog food is a great method too. I just prefer the crackers since I usually have those handy. (no dog)
Sometimes it helps to squirt some bait mate attractant on a slice of bread or an old hot dog bun, even.
All you need to do is find them and get them interested. They'll be interested if they've never seen your trap before and you put it right in their view and walk away for awhile.
As a rule, I'll usually check after 10 minutes to see how productive it is. Where I go, I can usually see the trap and if it's got something swimming in it without pulling it up.
Good luck. Minnows rule.
[signature]
When it needs to be fully submerged, I grab a ziplock sandwich baggie and poke a bunch of holes in it. Then, I'll throw a small rock in the bag with the bait to keep it on the bottom of the trap.
If I need to hang the trap, I'll bring a big rock with me to anchor the rope.
If you're tossing into a visible school of minnows, you won't need to soak long at all. I've caught 10lbs of minnows (redside shiners) on a total of 12ea Ritz crackers over the course of about an hour. Even checking after 10 minutes can yield a good trap load if they're nearby.
The canned dog food is a great method too. I just prefer the crackers since I usually have those handy. (no dog)
Sometimes it helps to squirt some bait mate attractant on a slice of bread or an old hot dog bun, even.
All you need to do is find them and get them interested. They'll be interested if they've never seen your trap before and you put it right in their view and walk away for awhile.
As a rule, I'll usually check after 10 minutes to see how productive it is. Where I go, I can usually see the trap and if it's got something swimming in it without pulling it up.
Good luck. Minnows rule.
[signature]