Looked through the regs, but didn’t see anything about minnow traps in saltwater are of Ashley. Can I trap minnows while fishing on the Ashley in Saltwater area? Are there any limits/regs on that, or if it’s not listed is it assumed ok? Thanks.
It’s ok,minnow traps are legal round here.
quote:
Originally posted by smanIt’s ok,minnow traps are legal round here.
Thank you very much sir!
There are regulations about the opening of the trap. Just buy the ones at the tackle shop and don’t alter them and you’ll be fine.
I also understand you must put a tag on the line with your name and address on it.
2005 Sea Hunt 212 Triton
“Head East”
quote:
Originally posted by Head EastI also understand you must put a tag on the line with your name and address on it.
2005 Sea Hunt 212 Triton
“Head East”
Not a problem, although I think I would only use it while I’m there beside it. Will put one on though. thanks!
Do not try a plastic minnow trap. I don’t know why, but mud minnows avoid them. Get the galvanized wire type
does this apply to saltwater and fresh water or just fresh water
jan
Nongame Device - Minnow Trap
Description:
A cylindrical device not longer than 24 inches and no more than 30 inches in circumference or a rectangular device not larger than 24 inches long, 8 inches high, and 9 inches wide. The mesh must be no smaller than 1/4 inch bar mesh. The throat opening of the funnel of the trap may not exceed 1 inch in diameter.
All minnow traps must be marked with the user’s name and customer ID number.
A minnow trap may be fished with a recreational license only, with a limit of 5 for each person, and must not be fished for commercial purposes.
Where can the device be used:
All freshwater except SCDNR managed state lakes.
License Requirements:
Recreational fishing license only with a limit of 5 per person. No commercial minnow traps allowed.
Additional tags and permits required:
None
Hours/Seasons:
No closed season.
Jan, this is what I read as well. I noticed it mentioned freshwater, that’s why i made my original post. I’m going to grab one, a galvanized one like mentioned above, put my name on it, and give it a shot this weekend. I don’t have a boat, so I just fish off the bank with my boys. Will use the trap while I have lines out. Hopefully I can catch some minnows, whatever is out there is sucking the shrimp right off my hooks as soon as they hit bottom! thanks for All of the advice everyone!
The galvanized one will barely last a season. I catch plenty of minnows in the black coated trap i have. Location and tide is key. You can get a fine if you dont have the sizes mentioned. Once they go bigger its considered a different type of trap. Oily bait or light colored baits like bread and crackers. Old bait and fish work well. Tie your trap because the clips do come undone. People love to mess witb minnow traps.
It sounds like most people set traps out and leave unattended, return later and check them? Am I being unrealistic in thinking I can throw a trap out where I’m bank fishing and catch some minnows in that time, assuming the tides are right? I’ve caught minnows in a net with bread in freshwater, salt is fairly new to me, my apologies for getting into the weeds on the topic. Trying to teach my boys how to fish old school without relying on a bait shop all the time. It’s nice everyone is willing to give advice!
quote:
Originally posted by KnottyFisherIt sounds like most people set traps out and leave unattended, return later and check them? Am I being unrealistic in thinking I can throw a trap out where I’m bank fishing and catch some minnows in that time, assuming the tides are right? I’ve caught minnows in a net with bread in freshwater, salt is fairly new to me, my apologies for getting into the weeds on the topic. Trying to teach my boys how to fish old school without relying on a bait shop all the time. It’s nice everyone is willing to give advice!
Depends on the tide. Low tide, it’s a good possibility. It’s good to leave them for a full tide cycle. Most people put them out the night before and grab them in the morning.
I also use the black rubber coated ones, they last way longer & have never had an issue catching minnows in them.
Find a small creek on the side of the road or somewhere that empties out to a small pool. You can fill a minnow trap in like 20 minutes in this scenario or catch a few for bait in like 5. A 3ft small mesh cast net is a good option too. Kids love catching bait so dont be afraid to make a little mission out of it. Live bait is good entertainment for kids on a slow day.
Most small kids would rather catch bait than fish! When mine was young he would keep me in bait! Its much quicker and they don’t loose interest waiting on a bite!
Talk about having fun, teach your kids to dig sand Fleas in the surf!
2005 Sea Hunt 212 Triton
“Head East”
Best bait ever is crushed blue crab
Crushed Clams a close second
I’ll freeze a legal sized crab in a ziplock
Keeps for a long time
Doesn’t take to long to fill up with Mud minnows
Thanks everyone. Picked up a trap, loaded with bread balls and a cut shrimp, and caught 7 good sized glass minnows in about an hour. Just threw it out about 10’ right off the shore and tied it to my rod holder. AS predicted above, the kids had a blast throwing and checking the minnow trap. Didn’t catch anything with minnows hooked through the back on chicken rigs, but the bait disappeared every time. Still learning, I may try minnows under a popping cork next time. Not giving up on bank fishing the saltwater ashley, I will figure it out!
Hang in there Knotty and you will get em. FYI a small can of cat food with a few holes poked in it makes great bait for the minnow trap. I have better luck putting the trap in still water such as a pool. If the water is moving I think it washes the smell of the bait in the trap away before they can find it. Also I normally hook mud minnows up through the lips. hope this helps, good luck.
Sea Hunt 212 Triton
“Head East”