Winter Minnows???

[skidooseadoo]

Id like to build a minnow containment off my floating dock this winter.

Any ideas how I can keep minnows at the end of my dock through the ice?

Though of using a garbage pail, with a pile of 1/4" holes. Build a insulated box on the ice with a light bulb hanging down to keep the top of the hole free from ice.

I prefer to have minnows on hand. Plan on ice fishing a ton this season.

thanx

[GeorgianBay MessageBoard]

[BillM]

Probably better to use a bubbler to keep things ice free.

[Valley Tackle co]

I would build a styrofoam   box with a styrofoam lid that fits right in the top I know I use this in my fish hut to cover the holes and almost never do I have to chip out holes .... just not shure what the ice would do to it might have to be a wood or steel box with a tight fitting lid .... if you have power at your dock deff a bubbler but to much turbulence could kill your minnows. Leme know what you come up with be curious to know

[skidooseadoo]

thanx Guys,

I will build a wooden box, insulated with a tight fitting lid. I will place this on the ice above the submerged large garbage pail. Not sure I will install a bubbler. The garbage pail will be 4ft down and I should be able to keep the surface ice free with a 100w light bulb for heat. Not a LED!!!

[Tom McCutcheon]

You could try drilling larger holes...1/2 to 1 inch. You won't need as many, and you might get better flow of fresh nutrient filled water through them. Wrap the inside (preferable) or outside of the garbage can with a roll of window or patio door screen and seal the bottom and top edges against the side of the can. 

Other than that I think you have a pretty good plan.