How Do I Build a Minnow Bucket?

Styrofoam containers not only keep drinks cool, but they make efficient minnow buckets.

Experienced anglers know that attractive bait is one of the most important things to a fisherman. Choosing the right bait is important, and keeping the bait alive is critical. That's when fishermen turn to minnow buckets -- small containers that store smaller-sized bait to use while fishing. Elaborate buckets are not needed to be successful. Inexpensive Styrofoam containers float, hold water and trap minnows.

Things You'll Need

• Thin wire mesh
• Fabric shears
• Fish wire
• Styrofoam container with lid
• Waterproof aeration pump (battery-powered)
• Pencil
• 1/4-inch plastic tube

Instructions

1. Construct a rectangular prism from the thin wire mesh. The rectangular prism is placed inside the container, to hold the minnows. For reference, make it 11-by-5-by-11 inches if the Styrofoam container is 12-by-6-by-12 inches.

2. Cut three 11-by-11 inch wire mesh pieces -- for the front, back and bottom -- using fabric shears. Cut two 5-by-11 inch wire mesh pieces for the sides.

3. Place the bottom piece on a flat surface. Place the bottom edges of the front, back and side pieces vertically on the bottom piece. Sew the edges of the wire mesh pieces together, using a needle and fish wire. Sew the corners of the wire mesh pieces together, making a rectangular prism.

4. Place the aeration pump on the side of the Styrofoam container. Keep the top of the aeration pump facing upward.

5. Poke two holes in the Styrofoam container, on each side of the aeration pump, using a pencil. Attach the aeration pump to the container. Insert thin metal wire around the aeration pump into the holes of the Styrofoam container. Fish wire can be used to replace the thin metal wire.

6. Attach a 1/4-inch tube to the output of the aeration pump. Place the opposite end of the tube into the Styrofoam container. The aeration pump oxygenates the water for the bait.

7. Insert the rectangular prism inside the Styrofoam container. Fill the Styrofoam container with pond water. Turn on the aeration pump. Your minnow bucket is ready to use.

References

• Texas A&M University; Keep That Bait Alive; Willie Younger, et al.

Resources

• Fleet Farm: Magic Mills Fleet Farm Minnow Bucket