How to Raise Fishing Minnows

Minnows are used for fishing bait.

Fishermen around the world know that good bait is required to catch fish. Minnows are common bait used for fishing. These tiny creatures are the ideal bait because they are small, they attract larger fish and they are effective. Purchasing minnows at the store can become a hassle, especially during the fishing season. Raising minnows at home is the ideal way to save money, avoid the hassles of constant purchases and enjoy the fishing season with good bait.

Things You'll Need

• Large tank or small pond
• Fresh water
• Rocks or similar materials
• Aerator (optional)
• Minnow feed

Instructions

1. Fill a large tank or small pond with non-chlorinated, fresh water. If using a pond, make sure there are no predatory fish in the pond that will eat the minnows and if there are, remove the predatory fish.

2. Place rocks, coral or similar objects into the tank or in the pond. These act as a location for the minnows to attach spawn and reproduce. Without the rocks, the minnows will not reproduce and the numbers will slowly die away.

3. Add an aerator to the tank. Ponds will not need an aerator, but tanks require an aerator to keep oxygen levels in the water balanced. The size and type of tank will determine the aerator needed. Some tanks will come with an aerator, depending on the tank and brand.

4. Place the minnows in the tank or pond. Make sure the water temperatures in the pond or tank are similar to the water that the minnows are swimming in to avoid shocking the minnows.

5. Feed the minnows twice or three times daily. Tank raised minnows will require the feed every day, but pond raised minnows will often have enough food in the pond. Add some minnow feed in the form of flakes to the water of the pond to supplement diets if preferred.

Tips & Warnings

• Adding aquatic plants to the tank or pond will improve oxygen levels in the water naturally.

• Add a second tank when the minnow population is becoming crowded and move some of the minnows to a second tank.

References

• Living the Country Life: Raising Minnows for Bait
• Daily Puppy: How to Raise Minnows at Home

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish