How to Catch Minnows With a Light at Night

Minnows are various small bait fish found in both freshwater and saltwater. Most minnows are related to carp and are a favorite food for many game fish. Minnows are typically found in shallow water near shorelines. Minnows feed primarily right before sunrise and just after sunset. Minnows can be caught with a mesh cast net tossed into the water or with a minnow trap buried into the sand or mud where they feed. Using an underwater light mimics the effects of the sun and will attract them to the area where the light is placed allowing you to catch all the minnows you need for a successful fishing trip.

Things You'll Need

  • Minnow cast net
  • Submersible halogen light
  • Moist cat food (optional)
  • Minnow trap (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Look for places close to the shoreline where you have seen minnows frequent in the past, such as near structures like jetties or piers. Find an area that is between 4 to 8 feet in depth.

    • 2

      Cast your minnow net in the chosen part of the water, holding onto one edge of the net. Allow the net to settle to the substrate at the bottom of the water.

    • 3

      Turn on the submersible light, anchor it off to one side at the edge of the cast net, and leave it there for about 10 minutes. Pull up the net and gather any minnows caught in the net.

    • 4

      Mash up moist cat food, and add it to the water after casting your net if you are having trouble attracting minnows; the combination of the light and the food should allow you to catch all you need.