With the winter months rapidly approaching and subsequently the water temperatures falling live bait becomes hard to come by. By late November early December most of the shrimp have moved out of the creeks, and while the finger mullet remain, who really wants to throw a cast net on a 40-degree morning and get soaking wet. With trout, bass, and flounder all making strong runs this time of year you definitely need a live bait that is easy to catch, hardy, versatile, and that produces fish.
It is scientific fact that cooler temperatures lead to minnow fever, that is to say that when it comes to live bait inshore for winter time use it is hard to beat a fat mud minnow. Lets take a look at the criteria I just laid out for a winter time bait and see just how well the mud minnow stacks up.
Easy to catch - A quick stop at your favorite tackle store, a few bucks and a flow troll bucket will have you on your way with some live mud minnows to catch some fish in a matter of minutes. Perhaps you are a little more traditional, and believe in catching your own bait. Well then a minnow trap, a piece of string, a can of dog or cat food with some holes punched in it, and a small creek is all you need. Drop the trap in the day before a planned trip and simply pick it up on your way out the next day. Since there is no casting required you should remain dry and warm.
Hardy - During the winter months I have kept several dozen minnows alive in a five gallon bucket for two to three days in my garage. These baits require little oxygen to survive and once you do arrive at the landing a little bit of fresh water flowing through the flow troll with make these guys good and spunky. This being said, just a few warnings from my personal experiences with mud minnows in the garage:
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Do not forget about the minnows and leave them for several weeks in the garage as I am convinced that nothing smells worse then a couple dozen minnows in some stagnate salt water,
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Keep an eye on the temperature becaus