Hooked, I have been salting minnows for 25 years. I use fresh minnows right from the baitshop. All I ever used was rock salt that you use for sidewalks. I use margarine containers. Put a layer of salt in the bottom first, then layer of minnows. Keep layering until it is full. Put the lid on, then into the freezer right away. After they have been there for a couple of days or weeks, it doesn't matter. Take them out and empty the brine out. Now you just keep them in the frig. When you get out fishing, dump the brine again and let them sit open so the minnows dry out. After you put them on your hook, they re-hydrate immediately. Worked for me on Nippissing for years! Hope this helps! Paul.