Fishing Live Minnows and 3D Printing Fishing Gear

alexosen
Oct 16
3 min read

Updated: Oct 16

Hello friends,

In this edition, we'll be covering:

How to Use Live Minnows to Catch More Fish
3D Printing a Solution for Broken Fishing Rod Guides
New Wild Thing Lure Colors

How to Use Live Minnows to Catch More Fish (Striper, Catfish, Trout & More)

When nothing else is working, live bait often saves the day — and live minnows are the undisputed champions of versatility. Whether you’re targeting stripers in tidal rivers, catfish in muddy reservoirs, or big trout in deep lakes, minnows trigger strikes when artificials can’t.

Why Live Minnows Work

Minnows give off subtle vibrations and scent trails that instantly attract predatory fish. They behave naturally in the water, which makes even the most cautious fish commit. That’s something no plastic or plug can fully replicate.

The Basic Rig

There are a hundred ways to rig a minnow, but here’s a simple starting point that works across species:

Leader: 12–18 inches of fluorocarbon line 12lbs-25lbs depending on your target fish
Weight: A sliding sinker (1–3 oz depending on current) keeps your bait near bottom but allows natural movement.
Hook: A light-wire live bait hook sized to your minnows (typically #2 to 1/0). Hook through both lips or just behind the dorsal fin to keep them lively.

Keep tension light, let the fish take the bait for a second or two, then reel down smoothly — a quick hookset can tear the minnow off.

When & Where to Use Minnows

Striped Bass: Drop near channel edges or bridge pilings and let the bait drift naturally.
Catfish: Use larger minnows on a slip-sinker rig just above the bottom.
Trout: Suspend small minnows under a bobber in deeper holes or along drop-offs.

Minnows shine in cooler water or during tough bites when fish are selective. If you’re fishing in pressured waters, try downsizing your hook and leader — subtlety wins.

Pro Tip

Keep your bait healthy! Use an aerated bucket, change the water often, and avoid temperature shock when transferring minnows from store to water. Lively bait equals more bites.

3D Printing a Solution for Broken Fishing Rod Guides

We’ve all been there — your favorite rod loses a guide insert, and suddenly your line frays every time you cast. Usually, that means retiring the rod altogether.

But what if you could 3D-print a replacement insert in minutes?

The Experiment

We designed a two-piece guide insert using Fusion 360 (free CAD software) and printed it with a consumer-grade 3D printer. The model included:

A main insert ring that fits into the guide frame
A snap ring that locks it in place
A smooth, rounded interior to protect fishing line

After printing both parts with fine layers and a curved radius inside the ring, the insert snapped in perfectly. The friction between the layers actually helped it stay locked in place.

The Results

The finished piece spun freely inside the guide and offered a surprisingly smooth surface — no abrasion, no line wear. It wasn’t just a temporary fix; it was a functional proof of concept for bringing modern maker tools into fishing repair.

Why It Matters

3D printing gives anglers the ability to repair gear that would otherwise end up in the trash. With a few measurements and some trial and error, anyone can design and print a replacement part customized to their rod.

We’re now testing different materials — from PLA to PETG and nylon — to see which can best handle saltwater use and UV exposure.

Want to Try It?

Catch Happy is looking for 3 anglers to test this 3D-printed guide fix. If your rod’s missing an insert, bring it to Sweeney's Sports in Napa and we'll install the new insert for Free. All we ask is your feedback on performance over time.