Plymouth Bait Shop Preps for Fishing Opener
At least a half million anglers are chomping at the bit to get out on Minnesota lakes for this weekend’s fishing opener. However fish this year may not have as much to chomp on.
“This time of year the water is cold so live bait becomes a key factor,” says Big B’s Bait shop owner Brian Sularz. “This year we do have a little bit of a shortage. It’s kind of been the trend for the last three years but this year seems to be worse than others.”
Live Bait Shortage
Shiner minnows and sucker minnows are what bait shops are having a hard time getting in stock. Since Minnesota had such a cold winter, many of the ponds where the bait is harvested completely froze. Fishing experts say that minnows and other live bait won’t trap when the water is to cold. While Big B’s Bait and Tackle has a large amount of Shiner Minnows, they will be sold at a premium since they are hard to come by.
Once the weather starts to warm up, the water will too. Once the water warms up, Sularz says it will have a positive effect on the shortage.
“Some of the ponds that aren’t producing right now still have viable bait fish in them,” added Sularz. “They are definitely going to trap. It’s just going to take a warm up of the water for that to happen.”
Lures Are a Good Alternative
Until then, Sularz says there are great lures you can use instead.
“The new googly-eyes are great,” says Sularz. “You can pair these up with a plastic say like a Mr. Twister and that is going to produce fish also.”
Due to Minnesota law, bait shops are not allowed to import live bait across state lines. Because of that law Minnesota is facing a larger shortage then surrounding states. For more information about Big B’s Bait and Tackle call 763-383-8830. You can also visit the shop at 11540 Bass Lake Rd, Plymouth, MN 55442.
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