Information about factors influencing catch per unit effort (CPUE) are not only interesting in commercial and sport fisheries contexts, but also for scientists fishing for research purposes. Here, the influence of trap type, baiting and attractors on CPUE in pond nine-spined sticklebacks (Pungitius pungitius) were investigated. The results show that baiting improved CPUE considerably, but trap type had a smaller effect on CPUE. Visual attractors (i.e. aluminium foil) did not improve CPUE. Apart from showing that nine-spined sticklebacks are likely to use olfactory cues for locating food, the results should provide useful information for those interested in catching nine-spined sticklebacks with the aid of minnow traps.