The best bait I've used for minnows is crumbled up saltines and bread in the trap. The smaller pieces float out around the trap to lure them to the area, then the rest is up to the minnows. If I'm just using a minnow I hook it through the upper back, trying not to hit the spine. If Im jiggin a minnow I hook it through one of the nasal openinngs and then through the lower jaw.