How to Make Minnow Beds

Minnows are a great selection for bait when you are fishing. You can buy frozen or live minnows from a bait store on the day of your next fishing trip, but these will not last long without a proper oxygen supply. An alternative to this is to keep your own fresh supply at home. If you build your own minnow bed, you can keep the minnows alive for long periods of time until you need them.

Things You'll Need

  • Insulated water tank
  • Tank aerator
  • Pool and tank paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Thermostat
  • Water, non-chlorinated or well
  • Finer-Shiner or Better Bait
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Instructions

    • 1

      Paint the inside of your chosen water tank with pool and tank paint, covering all of the inside surfaces. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly. This specialized paint will seal the surface and help reduce disease growth.

    • 2

      Fill the water tank with fresh, non-chlorinated water or well water. Chlorine will kill your minnows. Add Finer-Shiner or Better Bait to the water to keep your minnows healthy. Add more whenever needed.

    • 3

      Position and attach your tank aerator to the side of tank. Turn the unit on when it is in position. This will ensure that your water will have enough oxygen for the minnows to survive.

    • 4

      Position your thermostat in the water to get a correct temperature reading. You want the water to be 55 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Add ice or frozen water containers whenever needed if you do not have a water source that keeps the water cool.

    • 5

      Temper your minnows from their current container to the tank by adding a little water at a time from your tank into their container. This will get them used to their new surrounds. When the temperature of both containers is the same, you are ready to put them in the tank.

    • 6

      Dip the minnow container into the water tank and let them swim out.