Hello everyone,

This is my first year to be based out of Pier 121. Can anyone let me know where the closest place is to buy minnows? I come in from 121. Once the water warms up, I will be seining my own ghost minnows in the lake, but for now store bought will have to do. Many years ago my dad and I did an unscientific study on minnows. We fished for several days with one of us using ghost minnows that we seined in Lake Lewisville and the other using store bought minnows. The ghost minnows outcaught the store bought minnows 7 to 1 over this period. I think there is definitely something to be said about using a fish's native baitfish. Has anybody else found this to be true?

You can go into the colony on main street and head north. About a 1/4 mile past North Colony blvd, there is a gas station on the right called KENS. they sell minnnows.

The people that work there, especially the old white haired guy, are a pain in the ars. You will be lucky to get what you have paid. I also have a higher number of minnows that die when I buy from them.

If you are coming from Arlington, I would suggest looking for a store on your way to 121. Having to drive up to Ken's can be a mess during rush hour.

Jughead

Ken's (Name has changed) is the closest place. If you want quality and quanity go 7 miles further north to Little Elm and Johnny Joe's convience store on the left at the entrance to Little Elm Park.

I echo Ernest about Johnny Joe's. If you're around Lil Elm, that's the place to get minnows. In the five or so years I've been going there, I've only once received what I thought I ordered. All other times have been a factor of x times more.

This is a pic of what remained of the two dozen minnows I ordered after an afternoon of fishing strictly w/minnows.

If you are anywhere near the Akansas Lane boat ramp on Lake Arlington then pick up your bait at the Shell Station (Used to be a Shell Station, however the name may have changed) located on the north side of Arkansas Lane and west of Green Oaks Blvd.
You can bag/bucket your own and they always have several sizes. If that is out of your way another option is the Valero (Big Jacks) along east side of northbound frontage road of IH 35 just south of FM 407 (Justin exit). This would be north of SH 121. 1/2 pound is the biggest bang for your buck here. No place closer to Pier 121, sad but true.

The Valero mentioned called Jack charges .50 for the bag. Bring your own bucket and they waive the charge.