[weili]

Hi,
I know there are two gas stations on Hwy 64 about 10 miles west to Raleigh.
But if I want crappie fish in Lake wheeler, where should I go to get some minnows?
Thanks in advance!

 

[NCangler]

There is a grocery/bait shop back up Lake Wheeler Road like you're heading to Tryon Road. It is at the top of the hill past Lake Wheeler on the left in the sharp curve. I haven't bought bait there in awhile but that would be the first place I'd check.

 

[rangergreg281]

There is a grocery/bait shop back up Lake Wheeler Road like you're heading to Tryon Road. It is at the top of the hill past Lake Wheeler on the left in the sharp curve. I haven't bought bait there in awhile but that would be the first place I'd check.

I was just going to suggest that. Unless I'm mistaken, it's at the intersection of Lake Wheeler Rd. and Simpkins Rd. I haven't been that way since I went to Wake Tech.

 

[Home Wood]

I bought minnows at that store up the street from from the entrance to Wheeler and for whatever reason they didn't live an hour after being bought. Didn't catch a thing with them dead either. I've given up on fishing with minnows here. When I go ice fishing in NH with minnows AKA shiners up there, they can last over a week in the same bucket.

 

[weili]

Thanks a lot for all your replies. They are all very helpful! I had google-searched several times without results. I think I will try Lake Weeler next week...

 

[sundrop]

Monnows have to be kept aerated and cool. The weather most of the year will kill them quick unless you use an insulated bucket that you keep CLEAN between trips ( I wash mine in warm water with a bit of white vinegar and then rinse really well ) and keep them out of the sun and add a battery powered aerator.. You can buy a "Bubble Buddies" or something similar at Wallymart that takes 2 D cell batteries and runs for many hours.... A frozen drink bottle can be added to keep temp down if needed...
Make sure you always use a net to dip them and never put your hands in the bucket most especially if you've used bugspray or sunscreen. Also be careful spraying spray near the bucket even with it closed the mist can pass through the cracks/vents and just a little will kill them all....

 

[TST1]

Yes the replies are correct about a mile south of Tryon (on Lake Wheeler) road there is a small store ( @2nd light on right; sharp bend). The guy the is Mr. Lee or his son. Ask for crappie size minnows. If you keep them aerated they will last a long time. Also the amount of dissolved O2 increases with cooler water. So keep it chilled as 5mg/l is a low limit.

 

[wcgreen20]

If youre coming from Raleigh or Tryon road the store Mr. Lee owns is good. Coming from South of Lake Wheeler there is Lake Wheeler hardware and grocery which has a good selection of bait including small and large live minnows. Coming from Ten-Ten road it is about a mile from Ten-Ten and Lake Wheeler intersection on the left.

 

[crappie89]

Bump to this thread, does anyone know if this place is still open and can minnows still be bought here?

 

[NCStateFisher]

it was as of last summer so i'd assume so the gas station does pretty well

 

[misterslowride]

I would recommend the store closer to ten-ten, their minnows seem to be in better shape than the place towards Tryon.

 

[crappie89]

Where is that?

 

[Fish Whisperer]

I would recommend the store closer to ten-ten, their minnows seem to be in better shape than the place towards Tryon.

I agree. It's called Lake Wheeler Grocery. It's ~1/2 mile north of Ten-Ten rd on Lake Wheeler Rd.

 

[crappie89]

Thanks guys. Went to both places and they are still open. Just wish I had better luck with the crappie!