Traps, cast nets, umbrellas.....

[fish_4_any]

I want to get ready for catching minnows, from the bank.
I've read up on the devices and all say you can use from the bank.
Which one has anyone had good success with from the bank?

On a side not, is it very hard to make sure that none of the minnows are bass or crappie minnows since they are illegal to use as bait in Texas.

[CrappiePappy]

From the bank, I'd stick with traps ... but only if you can be in the area to keep an eye on them.

Not familiar with "umbrella trap nets" ... but I'd say they'd work.

As far as cast nets ... I've not tried them from the bank, mainly because of the potential of hanging them up on the bottom. If you do go this route, get the smallest mesh (1/4") with at least a 4' radius (8' diameter). And get one that has monofilament mesh.

And if you're worried about getting fry/minnows of game fish or protected species ... best bone up on what species are in those particular waters & what their young ones look like, so you can return the unwanted ones back to the water. (if in doubt ... pitch'em back in !! )

[fish_4_any]

Been researching them a lot to make sure I don't keep crappie minnows thinking they are warmouth but I agree. If in doubt throw em back. Not worth getting a ticket for a 3 inch minnow.

I want the true minnows anyway don't I? Or does a 2 or 3 inch bluegill minnow/fry work just as well for crappie?

[CrappiePappy]

Been researching them a lot to make sure I don't keep crappie minnows thinking they are warmouth but I agree. If in doubt throw em back. Not worth getting a ticket for a 3 inch minnow.

I want the true minnows anyway don't I? Or does a 2 or 3 inch bluegill minnow/fry work just as well for crappie?

I would think most any 2-3" minnow of most any species would be fair prey to a Crappie, including one of its own. But, yeah ... the legal baitfish species are your main target .... such as Shad, Shiners, & Fathead Minnows.