What methods do you guys use when bass fishing using minnows or small bream or other baitfish.

I would like to try using some live bait in the small lake I fish.  Thought I would set a minnow trap and see what I get, probably small bream and other fingerlings and then use that.  Other than a bobber, weight and hook, what other techniques can I try.  thanks

I always use the split shot rig when I'm using shiners.

Falcon

Unless you are fishing grass in Florida, use a split shot rig without a bobber. Cast to spots that you would target with a lure and reel SLOWLY, ticking the bottom on occasion.

Unless you are fishing grass in Florida, use a split shot rig without a bobber. Cast to spots that you would target with a lure and reel SLOWLY, ticking the bottom on occasion.

I did not have any baitfish in my trap, but I did try the split shot rig with a plastic worm and caught fish on it when the sun went down. Thanks for the tip. Another weapon in the arsenal!

Methods vary substantially depending on water conditions and lack or presence of cover. Where you place the hook, whether you free-line or float fish them, whether to use weight or not, and whether to anchor or not all are affected by mutiple factors. There is no simple one answer to this question.

Methods vary substantially depending on water conditions and lack or presence of cover. Where you place the hook, whether you free-line or float fish them, whether to use weight or not, and whether to anchor or not all are affected by mutiple factors. There is no simple one answer to this question.

George is right, I was only describing a method that I use often. Then are certainly more ways than one to skin a cat.