Got out Sunday evening, kinda a little bit later than I wanted. But minnows were definitely a key factor in catching. Hit blue creek about 6pm focusing on 20-15ftw with a drop or brush near. Didn't find to much that looked promising so decided to slow troll until something happened. Worked out well had 3 rods hooked up with 2 people. Worked that spot until dark caught 27 kept 8 could have probably had 14 but they were still a bit small. So that said I know most of you fish the northern part of the lake. There is a new bait shop on 88 just east of 169 it was on my way so I stopped in for minnows and a few hooks. I'm not one to talk bad really "the lady was very nice" but 5 2/0 hooks 2.99 wow. Then all they had were very large 3inch or very small "no way to hook with out killing 1inch minnows. Basically no mediums. Beside my better judgment I got 1/4lb each. Now for something I really never have had an issue with dying minnows. So I would guess Time from tank to ramp was 3min at most. So 45min to get over to blue creek minnows still in the bag. In a small cooler already had 5-7dead. So I got the bucket 2gal. Get fresh water and drop the minnows in. 15 minutes later 20ish dead. Saga continued for about an hour longer until half or better were already dead.....
Now Minnows from the gas station by redbud same treatment about can't hardly kill them had them in the bag for 3 hours or so one time with only 3-4 dead. Anyone have any ideas on what could have been the issue? I guess I'm just aggravated about spending $21 on 1/2lb minnows 5 hooks and some larger probably 1/8oz+ split shots. Then having mostly dead minnows or way to small to hook within 2 hours.