Using Minnows at Strawberry

[PrinceFisher]

I'm thinking I'll leave the bass tackle at home and head to Strawberry tomorrow morning for a little trout fishing and tubing with the family. We're planning on leaving the house at 6 a.m., arriving, fishing until it gets hot, and then pulling out the tube to let the kids have some fun.

I've not fished Strawberry for a couple of months, and I'm intrigued by all the talk about using minnows. Here are my questions: Have any of you used the minnows that are available at Sportsman's? I've never seen these minnows, but if I get the good word from you fine folks, I think I go today and purchase some for the trip. Since these are likely bottled or in a plastic bag, do you find that they stay on a hook? Do you find that the store-bought minnows are effective, and what type do you recommend I buy at Sportsman's?

I know Strawberry Marina sells them, but I doubt they will be open when I arrive shortly after 7 a.m. Or will they be open?

Thanks for all your advice and help.

PF
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[cat_man]

The main Strawberry marina will be open that early. The tackle shop always opens early so they can sell hot coffee and chocolate, and last minute bait and lures to anglers heading out early. I'm not sure exactly when they open, but by the time you get there they will be open. Minnows will probably cost more there than back here on the Wasatch front though.


To be sure you could call and ask them what time they open. Here's the number:

(435) 548-2261
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[PrinceFisher]

Thanks, Cat. Congratulations on the new addition to your family, by the way.
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[cat_man]

Hey thanks man. Can't wait to get him old enough to take him fishing.
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[Kent]

Purchase the frozen ones from Sportsman's. Has anyone tried the freeze dried minnows? Fresh minnows are better, but frozen ones will work. If possible, try to keep them partially frozen until you fish with them, and they won't be quite as mushy. Purchase the red shiners for use at Strawberry.
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[addicted2fishin]

Don't use the bottled ones or the ones in packages that aren't frozen. They won't hold up. Get the frozen red shiners, and keep them frozen for as long as possible. Another thing that helps is the use of a 'stinger' hook. Put your main hook through the head of the minnow, then a stinger hook back near the tail.

Minnows do make great bait there as long as they don't get too mushy. Once they get to that point, you are just feeding the fish.
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[PrinceFisher]

Thanks Kent and Addicted for your suggestions.

Let me ask one more question: Does it take awhile for minnows to enter a minnow trap at Strawberry? I'm thinking that while I'm at Sportsman's I could purchase a minnow trap to use at Strawberry in the morning. I could always use a worm/marshmallow combo or powerbait while the minnow trap is submerged beside the boat until I caught a few minnows. I've heard that an old, stale chocolate-chip cookie is good to use in the trap for minnows.

Any more thoughts?
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[Kent]

I can't help you with a minnow trap, I own one and tried it once up there without success (I think I had it in the wrong place and it was hidden in the moss). I just go after them with a casting net. Minnows are only about $2.50 for a package of them, so you might want to purchase a package just in case.
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[Hellsangler69]

They open the marina at 6:00am on weekends . Or at least when I have been there .
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[bassleg]

If you get a minnow trap try a piece bread just make a hard ball
and put it in your trap........Bassleg
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[Bigfishrule]

The marina says they open at 6:00am on the weekends but dont count on it. I have been there many a time when they still were'nt open at 7:30am. It dont bother me anymore since I bought a boat about 5 years ago. I used to rent a boat from the marina and I would be there at sunup. Half the time someone would be there. It was those times that the early morning fishing was burning away that I remember well. Since I have had my boat I have still noticed how often the keep banker hours. Dont think I would run a fishing business this way. So if I were you I would go to sportsmans and pick some up just in case.

As far as the minnows go fresh ones are better, but the frozen work until they get mushy. Good Luck.

John
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