Let's just say hypothetically I spotted a mink today at the trout pond and blew him or her away. Anyone know how effective a mink would be at catching fast moving trout? Is it possible they are more into catching easy food like frogs? I know an otter could catch trout in it's sleep but thinking a mink is not as adept?

And is there a color difference between sexes? Darker ones are males and reddish ones females?

Just asking of course.

I once watched a single mink catch 5 LMB in the 10-14" range in an hour as the ice was coming off. He would sit on the ice and eat his catch, then head back into the water for another. After that a muskrat caught his attention and he stalked that muskrat on the ice just like a cat would do.

Shorty,

Don't you think a largemouth bass is really slow moving in that cold of water? I've watched largemouths under the ice move quite slowly. The hope is a fast moving trout is more of a challenge.

Cecil:

My bet is on the Mink. They are FAST suckers! They can swim under water to get inside the 'rat burrows, and they are pretty effecient hunters on land or water. Color variations are in both Males and Females.

They like Muskrats, so pick your poison! The good thing is they normally don't stick around for any length of time, they're kinda nomadic.

Well I can't take any chances. It's war on both mink and muskrats. My one dike is so narrow a muskrat hole can be catostrophic. And I only planted 100 trout in the pond which is all it can handle carrying capacity wise when they get large enough to harvest. I have lost 6 though although it was not to a mink.

What are the chances there is another mink in the vicinity?

Cecil:

It's rare that you see them during the day. I'll give the odds that another mink is in the area at 99%. I've been fishing on the St. Joe at the Main Street bridge and watched a mink run the bank on the other side of the river.

I've set conibers in muskrat holes with not even a muskrat captured in that back area. I've got a live trap. If I put some fish in it will I be able to capture another one? Maybe disguise it a little? I know I'll probably capture at least one cat that way though.

I'd use the live trap, camo it so it looks like a hollow "something", but leave both ends open so they can see thru. Fish might work, or a live mouse in a smaller cage. Have you looked at any of the trapping supply houses for "mink lure"?
Mink lure #1 and mink lure #2

In your area, there should be some local store that has it. I'll bring a copy of fur-Fish-Game magazine when I drop off the smallie - good reference material for trapping supplies.

Scott,

I set up the live trap today and did what you said. Set it up agains the inside of the privacy fence close to where the last mink came out of. I just hope it's sensitive enough as it's the size that one uses for coons and feral cats. I found a dead trout at the pond today and put it in the back of the trap. Will a mink go for a trout that is getting putrid? I know cats will and I can bet anything I get a cat before I get a mink.

Cecil:

Mink like fresh food, they aren't scavengers unless it's a really lean time of the year. As long as they aren't black and white striped kitties you'll do just fine! Mink are pretty light, I don't know if they'll trip the trap or not. do you have any 110's? If so, and the opening in the fence will allow it, use it. Spread the trigger pretty wide apart and use a thin piece of wire and tie it horizontally between the the two trigger wires. That'll stop them from squeezing between the trigger wires.

The trout in the live trap got pretty ripe (the dog really liked the smell) and I found a possum in the trap Sunday morning. Nothing left of the disgusting trout and he crawled away after I released him.