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/fishin...eral-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]

Originally Posted by .243dude

https://albertaregulations.ca/fishin...eral-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.

[.243dude]

Originally Posted by pikergolf

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