A fish that can go unnoticed
From the cyprinidae family, the minnow (phoxinus phoxinus) is a small fish measuring from 4 to 10 cm at adulthood, for a maximum of 14 cm, which is rare, and a weight of about ten grams. This fish is present in all France, in 1st and 2nd category. It lives in schools of several tens or even hundreds of individuals of all sizes.
Mainly diurnal, it evolves near the bottom between the meadows and the rocks where it finds refuge. At the time of the reproduction, from April, the males display a bright and very colored nuptial finery, associating black, white, yellow, red and green.
The minnow is omnivorous. They feed on worms, larvae, algae, plant debris, mollusks and crustaceans. It stands in front of the current to catch food passing within its reach. Its lifespan is 5 or 6 years.
It is possible to catch it with a shot, or with a carafe
The minnow can be fished all year round in rivers of 2 ème category. In first category only during the opening of the trout season, from the 2nd Saturday of March to the 3rd Saturday of September included.
On a strike, although particularly voracious, minnows do not necessarily bite with great enthusiasm. In difficult cases, success is achieved by baiting to gather a maximum number of fish to create competition and excitement. A good sunshine is also essential to promote their appetite. A 3 m rod will be more than enough with a small line in 8 hundredths, a float of less than 1 gram and a hook without barbs. The baits will be small earthworms cut into sections or pinkies.
In some departments, fishing for minnow in a carafe is authorized (you have to get information on the spot). But the capacity of the jug must not exceed two liters. Place inside the bottle some pebbles to make it sink, and a small handful of breadcrumbs or bread as bait. Finally, tie the bottle with a string and place it in the stream, neck downstream.
Wait a good half hour and then lift it to take your catch. This is an excellent way to catch many live fish that will be easier to keep because they are not hooked.
Different uses
The minnow is the king of baits for trout fishing with a fish handle, a sculler or a helmet. It is also very appreciated by perch, which we will look for with a floating line, as well as chub. Pike-perch and pike will also be in the party to put them on their menu.
