It would be a slow bite if you target gills using minnows.

But, I've been getting some nice gills on 2.5" paddletail grubs that look like a minnow and with the small jighead, the gills have to eat 2"s of the grub to get to the hook. If they can get the bait in head or tail first, just as long is the hook isn't too big.

I would stay with worms, crickets, grasshoppers, grubs, maggots, for live bait.
Is you're looking for something on a cast and reel, any plastic tubes or grubs from the 1"-2.5" is work. Even adding a beetlespin in the mix will work just great.

But, I've found that gills like eat artifical minnow baits before they will eat a live minnow. I know it sounds weird, but it's my oppservation.

Fish On!