Hauling minnows?

[SP180]

How does everyone haul there minnows on to the lake? I carry a 1/2 gallon minnow bucket but see this as taking up alot of space and weight. Just looking for new ideas to cut back on space and weight. Thanks,

[bigshooter23]

some ppl have used the thermos or igloo beverage cooler with the screw on lid. i also have used old style cooler with the handle that locks down overr the top of it. just my two cents

[Ed Carlson]

I carry my minnows in a tub the size of a nightcrawler tub...and I most often use "Salted Minnows"..no water to dink with and slop around. I jig most of the time so they do not need to be alive and kicking to achieve what I need. I just need good scent and color..scent being the key.

If I do need live and kick'n minnows, I do a basic Folgers coffee can with the Coffee Can Styrofoam insert liner, and snap the lid on tight..so they can't slop around and get everything wet in the tub. I have also used wide mouthed Gatoraid bottles to contain them but they tend to freeze up quicky or get slushy if it's very cold out. The styrophoam lined coffee can works well and takes up less space.

My personal preference is the Salted Minnows, they work as well if not better in most situations. And I always have bait on hand that way when I need it.

[SP180]

I have heard about the coffee can insert liner and do not know what that is (not a coffee drinker). I like these ideas. Thanks. any more out there?

[Ed Carlson]

Gander has the Coffee Can Styrofoam insert pail in most baitshops..they run $2.99...and supply your own coffee can.

[Deitz Dittrich]

A large thermos works well too.. Depends on how many minnows you have and how far the drive is.

[OnAFly]

I used a half gallon sherbet bucket. Worked great at keeping the water from splashing around but did tend to freeze on cold days.

[MuskieJunkie]

Small Coleman cooler.

[Chode2235]

I use a soft sided cooler. Works great, as those fatheads dont need a lot of water in the winter (shiners a bit more), and you can tweak it a bit in the tub to fit where you need it to.

I used a plastic bucket with a styrofoam liner, but that was so rigid and didnt allow me a lot of space to work with in my Otter Den.

[BartmanMN]

Small Coleman cooler.

I use the small cooler as well, however going down a steep launch last year some of the nasty minnow water spilled and the wife was not pleased with the odor. I may be looking into the thermos option. I always liked the little cooler since it is insulated and I can leave them in my garage without them freezing.

[rugbymn]

I just put my big styrofoam minnow bucket in my Sit N Fish bucket. It gives them plenty of oxygen for a long drive and the bucket cover/seat prevents sloshing all over your vehicle.

I'm going to be sitting on my bucket and using it to put the fish in on the way out anyway, so it's not really taking up any more space.

[fishorgolf]

I use a 2 qt (I think) screw lid beverage thermus. Can throw it anywhere no leaks etc.

[aczr2k]

I use the Frabil Min o Life, its a bit expensive but I've had it for years, doesn't leak. The aerator quit a few years ago but I just siliconed the hole shut.

[deadeye]

I also use the coffee can minnow bucket on long hikes. When I lived in Ely I most of my fishing was done on hike in lakes. It worked slick because you could throw it in your backpack with no spills.

When I'm somewhere that I don't have to hoof it over a mile, I just use a 5 gallon pail with a Styrofoam insert and snap on lid. Its heavy, but the minnows always last a long time in it.

[Chef]

I use an insulated frabill and drop it into a 5gallon bucket to keep the water splash contained. I like lively minnows for my dead stick set-up.

[crappiekid]

Small Igloo playmate cooler and minnows will not freeze up and compact. I also use a 22 QT cooler for long wheel house trips. Water keeps cool and easy to change. Frabill sit n fish with liner / minnow bucket also a decent option.

[Riich]

My personal preference is the Salted Minnows, they work as well if not better in most situations. And I always have bait on hand that way when I need it.

Is that for walleye fishing? And where do you find salted minnows?

[Ed Carlson]

Yes I use them for walleye, perch, just about anything I jig for.

You now can now get them at Gander Mountain in Fargo, in the bait shop prepackaged in 1 scoop and in 2 scoop tubs. They will be in the freezer at the entrance to the "Gander Bait Shop".

[Heft]

I found anything with a screw on lid easily freezes the lid on. The 6 can plastic coolers with a locking lid works great for me and can't spill.

[MIDNIGHT777]

I use a small cooler like others have suggested. I just keep the minnows in the plastic bag they come in from the bait store. This way there is no water spilage no matter how bumpy the ride on the lake is. Once I get to my spot I just undo the rubber binder and start fishing. If I want to move it takes 3 seconds to swist the bag back up, put the rubber binder on, and close the cooler...........water tight everytime.

Matt