This Minnow trap is designed very similar to the standard and classic minnow trap. It is basically a tube with holes in each end. The biggest difference between this minnow trap and the classic minnow traps is that it is coated with the rubbery vinyl. This is adventagous to the minnow trapper because it won't harm the fish when they are trapped and swimming around, and it won't harm them when the trapper lifts the trap out of the water and they flop around. The older traps which were not vinyl coated were made of galvanized metal and it would sometimes prick the trapper with its sharp edges. Also the minnows would scrape off scales and their natural slime which protects them from disease, fungus, and the elements.

The "Old Timers" who knew a little more then the "younguns" would always dip their galvanized minnow traps in wax to essentially do the same thing that this new vinyl coating does. Some minnow trappers feel the old silver traps attracted more baitfish but I have not seen a difference when using them side by side or in the same depths.

As far as it being a crawfish trap I find it sub-par. I have caught very few crawfish in mine even using raw meat as bait. A good crawdad trap sits completely on the bottom and looks similar to its older cousin, a lobster trap.


How it works: The minnow trap is shaped like a cylinder and is put together into one piece when set. It is composed of two similar pieces which hook together to form the trap. At each end is a small opening which funnels towards the center. The openings starts as a large six inch circle and ends at about an inch opening. Minnows swim to corners and once inside they commonly can not get out. Picture a funnel, one you would use to pour fluid. It is much easier to pour into the large opening than the smaller one. The minnows feel the same way as you would pouring the fluid.

How to work it: When trying to catch minnows you need to bait them in just like you would use the minnow to bait a larger fish. They love to eat bread. I usually use a bagel because it holds together better than just a slice of bread, and I most commonly use dry dog food pellets which seem to attract the minnows a little more than the bread. Other minnow trappers use cat food pellets as well but I have found them to be too small and they don't stay in the trap as well as the larger dog food pellets. I just throw a handful of it into the trap when it is open, put the two ends together and clip it with the clip provided, tie a rope to the eyelet on the hook and throw it into a lake, pond, or stream. I let it go to the bottom, some trappers suspend it with floats or if they are trapping below the ice they only let out a certain amount of rope, but anywhere under or in the water will suffice. After it sits awhile, usually overnight you can pull it in open it, rebait it and use or sell the minnows.

Price Expect to pay between $8 and $16 for this trap. It is very durable and should last a lifetime if used properly. It pays for itself very quickly considering live bait costs around $4 per dozen.

Click on my other Fishing Reviews:
Lures:
Terminator Ball Buster Buzzbait
Strike King Premier Spinnerbaits
Strike King Redeye Spinnerbait
Rebel Pop-R, Pop, Pop, SPLASH
Jitterbug, That Old Classic
Storm Wiggle Warts Lures
Terminator Finesse Jigs
Gary Yamamoto's The Kreature
Zoom Lizards
Zoom Salty Chunk Trailer
Uncle Josh Original Pork Trailers
Reels
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 4600C3
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500 C3
Abu Garcia C4 series Reels
Abu Garcia C3 series Reels
Abu Garcia Cardinal 500 Series Spinning Reel
Shimano Curado CU-200B5
Shimano Curado CU-200B
Other:
Frabill Vinyl-Coated Minnow Trap
Frabill Sit-N-Fish Bait Container
Berkley Trilene XT
Berkley Trilene XL
Lindy Marker Buoys
Evinrude 15 HP Four Stroke Outboard
Motor Guide 82lb Thrust

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Nitro NX 750, A Great Starter Bass Boat

Recommended: Yes