I read a post somewhere talking about using hydrogen peroxide to oxygenate your minnow bucket. Does anyone have any info on this? I worry about adding too much and ending up with a bunch of blonde minnows! Tom

I googled your exact subject line and came up with several links (just a few below).
Sounds logical, but if you manage to turn them blond I don't know what they will do.
I'm not sure that they're very smart to begin with!

http://www.trails.com/how_2298_keep-minnows-alive.html
http://ezinearticles.com/?6-Tips-to-Keep-Your-Minnows-Alive-Longer&id=3165344
http://www.ehow.com/how_5640651_keep-minnows-fresh.html

I should know to do a search first, but that doesn't do much to start a conversation here! Time was a topic like this would get numerous responses and the back and forth would go on for days! Seems like everyone is in a big rush these days and doesn't have time to sit and chat! Tom

Hey Tom. I have heard also that it works but have never verified this as I don't use live minnows too often expecially here in Utah where the game warden would give you a big fat fine and take your gear. The Blonde minnow bit might be interesting though. I can just see all the blonde jokes.

Brian

OK, here's the deal on hydrogen peroxide. Water is H20. Hydrogen Peroxide is H2O2. The extra oxygen atom bonds to the water molecules super oxygenating the water and will last for hours. Add 1 ounce of hydrogen peroxide to 3 gallons water. You won't need an air pump in your minnow bucket to keep your minnows alive. This will also work well in your boat's livewell.

thanks for the info

Posted By Pegsguy on 15 Dec 2010 03:39 PM
I read a post somewhere talking about using hydrogen peroxide to oxygenate your minnow bucket. Does anyone have any info on this? I worry about adding too much and ending up with a bunch of blonde minnows! Tom

I doubt that adding that stuff to your minnow bucket will do any bit good.  In fact, it would probably do more harm than good.  Your best bet would be just to buy a minnow bucket with an air pump.  It cost me about $30, but it's well worth it in the long run.

I have both a battery powered and a plug in air pump and all my minnow buckets have been modified for a hose and stone. I occasionally find myself away from home and purchasing one of those inexpensive styro minnow buckets to use for a day. I am going to try peroxide next spring on a small quantity of minnows and see how it works.  1 oz to 3 gal seems to be the accepted norm. Tom

I always keep a bottle of H2O2 in my boat locker. I add it to my water at the start of each fishing trip. I'm usually on the water @ 28 to 30 hours . I have a plug in aerator that is based on a bilge pump that recirculates the water by pumping the water and spraying it over the surface in the live well, I turn it off when the outboard is not running to conserve battery power. I've never had a problem keeping bait alive on any trip yet. And H2O2 is cheap to use as well.

Posted By fisherfanatic on 26 Dec 2010 12:34 PM

Posted By Pegsguy on 15 Dec 2010 03:39 PM
I read a post somewhere talking about using hydrogen peroxide to oxygenate your minnow bucket. Does anyone have any info on this? I worry about adding too much and ending up with a bunch of blonde minnows! Tom

I doubt that adding that stuff to your minnow bucket will do any bit good.  In fact, it would probably do more harm than good.  Your best bet would be just to buy a minnow bucket with an air pump.  It cost me about $30, but it's well worth it in the long run.

Well, in college I was a Biology major (marine biology) and a chemestry minor, so I can verify that H2O2 will work as stated, and harmlessly as long as used in the formula stated, one ounce to three gallons water.

Sounds like I may be trying that this summer.

Peroxide also is handy for cleaning and disinfecting the inevitable nick or puncture that seem to be part of the program! Tom

I'll have to try that this summer when minnow die off is the worst.

Keeping the minnows cool is also important. Place ice in a zipper bag and place that in the minnow's water to keep the water temperature down on hot days. A commercial freezer gel pack is also a good choice.