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All about minnow fishing
Minnow belongs to the carp family. This small fish, along with minnow and ruff, often becomes the first trophy of young anglers. It has several subspecies, some of which can reach 20 cm and weigh about 100 grams, but most are more modest in size. Fish can differ not only in appearance, but also in adaptability to living conditions. River forms are very susceptible to water aeration, while lake forms can live in more unfavorable conditions.
Minnow fishing methods
During family holidays, on rivers where minnow is a common fish, catching minnow can be an exciting activity for children and other novice anglers. For children’s fishing, a simple jar filled with bread crumbs and tied with gauze with a hole can serve. No less fun can be catching these fish just with a piece of gauze and lowered to the bottom. An important element of such fishing is releasing the fish into the wild. For more serious anglers, a variety of bottom and float gear may come in handy for fishing. Do not forget that the minnow can serve as an excellent bait when catching predatory fish. In Europe, many tackles have been invented for fishing for “dead” fish or live bait using a minnow.
Minnow fishing with float tackle
The minnow is a bottom fish, confident bites happen when the nozzle is right next to the fish. When fishing on float gear, it is imperative to take into account such a moment that the nozzle must be dragged along the bottom. Most often, in rivers, the minnow is caught at shallow depths, so you can fish “wandering”, stirring up the water with your feet, attracting a flock of minnows. Complex and expensive gear is not needed. A light rod, a simple float, a piece of fishing line and a set of sinkers and hooks are quite enough. In the case of frequent hooks, a thinner leash can be used. When fishing with a bait, it is worth considering the size of the fish and, accordingly, the size of the equipment, especially hooks and baits, which can affect the catchability of the gear.
Baits
Minnows can be caught on various nozzles, but he takes vegetable ones worse. Best of all, he pecks at a piece of a worm or bloodworm. Minnow is easy to lure with dregs or soaked bread.
Places of fishing and habitat
In Europe, it is found everywhere, with the exception of the extreme southern and northern regions. In Russia, it is known almost throughout the country from the European part to the Amur and Anadyr. Minnow is considered an “indicator” of the purity of the reservoir. It can be found even in the smallest bodies of water. Accumulations of fish, especially in hot weather, near groundwater outlets. As already noted, the river minnow is susceptible to oxygen saturation of water. In lakes, the minnow adheres to the coastal shallow zone in search of zooplankton and plant food washed off the shore. In addition, the minnow can actively feed on small insects that fall onto the surface of the water from ground vegetation or during flight.
Spawning
Minnow becomes sexually mature in the second year of life. Females are larger than males. During spawning, males become covered with epithelial tubercles, and the fins and abdomen (in some subspecies) acquire a bright red color. Spawns in April-June, depending on the region. Caviar lays on the sandy bottom, in shallow water.