Minnow dipper

A minnow dipper comprising, in combination:

• a funnel portion characterized by a tapered sidewall section converging from a relatively large diameter open end to a relatively small diameter open end;
• a handle attached to the funnel portion near the relatively large diameter open end;
• a tubular member defining a minnow receiving chamber having an open end portion attached to the funnel portion substantially in concentric relation with the small diameter open end, a terminal end portion projecting axially with respect to the funnel portion, and an axially extending side opening formed in the tubular member intermediate the open and terminal end portions, the side opening defining a hooking zone which is sufficiently deep to permit hooking access to a minnow disposed in the receiving chamber;
• and,
• a flexible sheath covering substantially all of the side opening exclusive of the hooking zone for restraining a minnow disposed in the receiving chamber, the flexible sheath having a slit opening extending along the length of the sheath to permit manual withdrawal of the minnow from the receiving chamber.