Minnows are small freshwater fish that are commonly used as bait by anglers. Their small size makes them an appealing target for larger predatory fish like bass, trout, pike and more. But how many minnows does it actually take to make up a pound? Let’s take a closer look.
Quick Answer
It takes approximately 300-500 minnows to equal one pound. However, the exact number can vary quite a bit depending on the specific size and species of minnow.
Explaining the Variation in Numbers
Minnows range greatly in size, with most species reaching maximum lengths of 2-6 inches. Larger minnow species like redtail chubs and creek chubs may only require around 100-300 minnows per pound. Meanwhile, smaller species like fathead minnows often take 400-600 to make a pound. Other factors like age, health, and water conditions can also impact weight.
In general, here’s a rough estimate of how many minnows equal a pound for some popular bait species:
- Fathead minnows: 400-600 per pound
- Bluntnose minnows: 300-500 per pound
- Emerald shiners: 350-450 per pound
- Golden shiners: 250-350 per pound
- Rosy red minnows: 500-700 per pound
- White suckers: 150-250 per pound
The math behind figuring out minnows per pound is pretty simple. For example, if the average length of a fathead minnow is 2 inches and the average weight is 0.2 ounces, then:
- There are 16 ounces in a pound
- So at 0.2 ounces each, it would take 80 minnows to make a pound
- But since minnow size can vary, a range of 400-600 per pound covers their natural variation
Why Does the Number Vary So Much?
There are a few key reasons why the number of minnows in a pound can be so variable:
- Species differences – Minnow species span a wide range of sizes from 1 inch up to 6 inches, which greatly impacts how many fit in a pound. The smaller the minnow, the more it will take to make up a pound.
- Age and size differences – Within the same species, younger and smaller minnows will be much lighter than mature, full grown adults.
- Condition differences – Minnows that are unhealthy or stressed may weigh less than robust, well-fed minnows of the same size and species.
- Spawning cycle – Before and after spawning, a minnow’s weight and girth may fluctuate, causing variance in numbers per pound.
- Seasonal factors – Food availability and water conditions through the seasons impact minnow growth and weight.
With all these variables, it’s no wonder the numbers can range so widely. When buying minnows for fishing, it’s important to take these factors into account rather than relying on a fixed number per pound.
Estimating Based on Length
A helpful rule of thumb is that one inch of minnow will yield approximately 0.2-0.5 ounces of weight depending on species. Here is a rough guide to estimate minnows per pound based on average length:
| Minnow Length | Minnows per Pound (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 900-2000 |
| 2 inches | 450-1000 |
| 3 inches | 300-700 |
| 4 inches | 225-500 |
| 5 inches | 180-400 |
| 6 inches | 150-350 |
So a 2 inch fathead minnow may weigh around 0.4 ounces, meaning you’d need about 500 minnows for a pound. But a 6 inch creek chub may be 2 ounces, so only about 225 would make up a pound.
This quick length-to-weight estimate lets you ballpark the numbers no matter what species or sizes you’re dealing with.
Common Ways Minnows Are Sold and Counted
When purchasing minnows from a bait shop, they are typically sold and counted in a few standard ways:
- Per pound – You specify the total pounds of minnows you want, and the bait shop counts them out by the poundful into bags or buckets.
- Per dozen – Minnows are scooped out and counted into groups of 12 for you.
- By the scoop/dip net – A dip net is used to scoop minnows out of a tank, estimated at around 100-500 minnows per scoop depending on size.
- In bulk – For large quantities, minnows may be sold in bulk by the 1,000 count or more, then approximately measured into containers.
No matter how they are originally sold, it’s tricky for anglers to estimate exactly how many minnows they have. The best option is to separate them into weighed portions in resealable plastic bags before heading to the water. This takes the guesswork out for when it’s time to bait up.
Tips for Estimating Minnow Counts
If you need to estimate the number of minnows you have, here are some tips to get a reasonable ballpark:
- Start by categorizing minnows into size groups – under 2 inches, 2-4 inches, over 4 inches.
- Estimate the percentage that fall into each group – for example 60% are under 2 inches, 30% are 2-4 inches, 10% are over 4 inches.
- Multiply the percentage of each group by the total estimated number – if you have 1,000 minnows total, then 600 would be under 2 inches, 300 would be 2-4 inches, and 100 would be over 4 inches.
- Use the minnows per pound estimates earlier in this article to translate each size group into pound estimates – the 600 under 2 inches would be 2-3 pounds, the 300 that are 2-4 inches would be 1-2 pounds, etc.
- Add up the pound estimates from each group to get your total pound estimation.
While not exact, this gives you a decent estimate to work with by breaking down the minnows into manageable groups. Having a scale on hand is also handy for weighing random samples. When in doubt, err on the side of overestimating how many you’ll need.
Storing and Keeping Minnows
To keep minnows lively and healthy for as long as possible:
- Use a minnow bucket, aerated livewell or holding pen with cool clean water.
- Don’t overcrowd – leave room for them to swim freely.
- Use ice packs and shade to regulate water temperature on hot days.
- Change water frequently or use an aerator.
- Don’t store minnows with larger baitfish who may prey on them.
- Remove any dead minnows immediately.
As a general rule of thumb, plan on a pound of minnows per angler per day on the water. So for a group of 4 people fishing for two days, you’d want around 8 pounds to be safe. It’s better than running short!
Using Minnows for Bait
Minnows are effective for all kinds of game fish. Here are some tips for baiting with them:
- Use a #6-10 treble hook for most applications.
- Hook through the lips or just under the dorsal fin for free movement.
- For crappies and bluegills, hook just once through the tail.
- Add a split shot sinker 12-24 inches up the line for depth.
- For catfish, spike a big minnow through the back onto a #2/0 circle hook.
- Put on a bobber and fish 3-5 feet deep for crappies and panfish.
Take your estimated minnow pound count and divide it by your number of fishing lines/rods to figure out an appropriate amount of bait per setup. No matter what the fish are biting on any particular day or lake, minnows almost always get a reaction strike.
Catching Your Own Minnows
While buying minnows is the easiest route, you can also catch your own from lakes, ponds and rivers using:
- A cylindrical minnow trap made of wire mesh, baited with bread or dog food
- A cast net thrown along weedy banks and shallows
- A dip net skimmed through schools of minnows
- A seine net dragged through shallow water
This takes more time and effort but can be rewarding. Make sure you have permission and obey local fishing regulations too. Match the size of your bait to the prey fish that your target fish normally feed on in a given body of water.
Purchasing Dead Minnows
Many bait shops also sell frozen or preserved dead minnows:
- Frozen minnows are flash frozen soon after catching.
- Preserved minnows are treated with salts or borax.
These can work when live minnows aren’t available. But the commotion of a living minnow is often the trigger for predators. Follow the package directions for amount and soaking time.
When and Where to Use Minnows
Minnows work for all freshwater game species under a variety of conditions:
- Bass – When bass are in cover or choking a channel, a lively minnow skipped into pockets triggers reaction strikes.
- Walleye – Impale a large minnow through the tail and troll over open water haunts.
- Panfish – Small minnows below a bobber are deadly on crappies, bluegills, and perch.
- Pike – Larger suckers and redtail chubs really appeal to big pike.
- Trout – Drift a minnow in moving water or bounce along the bottom.
- Catfish – Cut up minnows make excellent stink bait for channels, blues and flatheads.
Minnows produce fish all day long in both warm and cold water conditions. Make sure to have a good estimating system for numbers per pound so you always have enough bait when heading out to catch your favorite species.
Conclusion
Estimating minnows per pound can be tricky due to natural variations in size, species, age and condition. As a general rule of thumb, expect 300-500 minnows per pound on average, but it could be as low as 100 for large minnows or as high as 700 for very small species. The best approach is to separate minnows into weighed portions rather than relying on loose estimates or counts. With a good system for purchasing, transporting and keeping minnows lively and healthy, they provide a top-producing bait for all kinds of freshwater fish year-round.
