Need Floating Minnow Box

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03-09-2009, 08:16 AM
titleman

Need Floating Minnow Box

Hey guys,

Do you know of anyone near Little Rock that builds Minnow Boxes? I need an easy to access floating box to keep minnows at my dock. The lake has a low Ph, so screen wire rots pretty quick and the coated wire I have found is too big for small minnows. But mainly, I just need someone who can put one together. I can help with the design.

Any handymen out there?

Titleman
03-09-2009, 08:43 AM
creekslick

Quote:

Originally Posted by titleman

Hey guys,

Do you know of anyone near Little Rock that builds Minnow Boxes? I need an easy to access floating box to keep minnows at my dock. The lake has a low Ph, so screen wire rots pretty quick and the coated wire I have found is too big for small minnows. But mainly, I just need someone who can put one together. I can help with the design.

Any handymen out there?

Titleman

How many minnow are you trying to keep?
03-09-2009, 08:56 AM
titleman

I usually have 6-10 dozen on hand. There is enough water movement in the lake, so with a big enough enclosure, mortality is reduced.
03-09-2009, 09:19 AM
creekslick

Quote:

Originally Posted by titleman

I usually have 6-10 dozen on hand. There is enough water movement in the lake, so with a big enough enclosure, mortality is reduced.

I built a live box from a 15 gallon drum. Cut a door opening as large as you need then make a door larger than the opening from a 5 gallon bucket. Use stainless steel hinges and hasp. Then drill 1/8" holes all over the drum. I zip tied some lead to the bottom and swim noodles to the sides so the door would be above water. Will try to get some pictures and post them if you are interested in making one.
03-09-2009, 09:31 AM
titleman

Interesting idea....but it sounds heavy. especially when full of water. How hard is it to occasionally remove from the water?

Titleman
03-09-2009, 09:36 AM
creekslick

Just raise it slowly out of the lake and the water will drain from all the holes you have drilled in it. If you are going to keep minnows in it, just open the door and use a minnow dip net to remove the amount you will be using without takeing it out of the water.
03-09-2009, 10:01 AM
creekslick

Here are a couple pictures of one that I don't have finished.
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m...k/IMG00067.jpg
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m...k/IMG00068.jpg
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m...k/IMG00069.jpg
03-09-2009, 12:13 PM
Slipcork

What about a tank on the dock and pumping water out of the lake and a overflow tube. That is what they use at Greeson and keep lots of bait in. I saw a guy on TV using a big plastic trash can doing this.

I use a six gal. bucket with holes drilled in it about four inches up. That way in I pull it out and take it with me I still have some water in the bottom. I also have a wash machine tub that I put a lid on it. You can try it out if you want. I'm not using it any more.
03-09-2009, 12:15 PM
titleman

PLASTIC! Duh, I was thinking metal drum!

Look like a nice plan. Thanks for sharing.

Titleman
03-09-2009, 12:18 PM
titleman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slipcork

I also have a wash machine tub that I put a lid on it. You can try it out if you want. I'm not using it any more.

And I thought that smell was from a paper mill! LOLOLOL

Titleman
03-09-2009, 09:09 PM
ceb

Or you could buy some minnow seine material and add some glued pvc for flotation...that's all you would probably need unless they could jump out.

Or, here's some other ideas that might be easier...
Cabela's Floating Bait Cages 35"x35"

Shoreline Catch 'N Keep Pop-Up Livewell
03-10-2009, 09:48 PM
titleman

Ceb,
The turtles tear up the mesh....been there.
The plastic barrel pics from Creekslick are really intriguing me. My lake is pretty acidic and is tough on any kind of metal cage. The plastic barrels would last.
Now if I can just locate the barrels!

Thanks for the reply.

Titleman
03-10-2009, 09:51 PM
ceb

Quote:

Originally Posted by titleman

Ceb,
The turtles tear up the mesh....been there.
The plastic barrel pics from Creekslick are really intriguing me. My lake is pretty acidic and is tough on any kind of metal cage. The plastic barrels would last.
Now if I can just locate the barrels!

Thanks for the reply.

Titleman

Hah, I didn't think about the turtles...I figure if you off a couple of 'em, they will tell the rest to stay away from those minnows that fight back...:D

Good luck with your quest. I don't know of any barrel fitting such description around here, but hopefully someone has an idea.
03-11-2009, 07:38 AM
creekslick

Quote:

Originally Posted by titleman

Ceb,
The turtles tear up the mesh....been there.
The plastic barrel pics from Creekslick are really intriguing me. My lake is pretty acidic and is tough on any kind of metal cage. The plastic barrels would last.
Now if I can just locate the barrels!

Thanks for the reply.

Titleman

Titleman where do you live? If you are close to Batesville I can fix you up.
03-11-2009, 07:55 AM
rockmike

For that few minnows, I'd get a gal. mesh minnow trap with one of the extensions, and pinch the openings shut and use that. Simple, easy to use, and not too pricey.
03-11-2009, 09:53 AM
titleman

Quote:

Originally Posted by creekslick

Titleman where do you live? If you are close to Batesville I can fix you up.

Creekslick,
I found a couple of barrels in Little Rock. Your pics really sold me on the idea. Thanks for "helping"!!!!

Looks like I have a week-end project during this cool spell.

Titleman
03-11-2009, 09:56 AM
Slipcork

Try this. I might take one too. You know Lance would.

Plastic Barrels, Drums, Totes, Storage Containers, Metal Drums
03-16-2009, 07:51 AM
titleman

Quote:

Originally Posted by creekslick

I built a live box from a 15 gallon drum. Cut a door opening as large as you need then make a door larger than the opening from a 5 gallon bucket. Use stainless steel hinges and hasp. Then drill 1/8" holes all over the drum. I zip tied some lead to the bottom and swim noodles to the sides so the door would be above water. Will try to get some pictures and post them if you are interested in making one.

Creekslick,

My minnows now have a new home. Your plastic drum suggestion was the perfect answer.
Thanks for taking the time to respond to my post....and especially for posting the pics. You are a great example of what Crappie.com is all about.

Titleman
03-16-2009, 08:02 AM
creekslick

Quote:

Originally Posted by titleman

Creekslick,

My minnows now have a new home. Your plastic drum suggestion was the perfect answer.
Thanks for taking the time to respond to my post....and especially for posting the pics. You are a great example of what Crappie.com is all about.

Titleman

Glad I was able to help.