We used to buy minnies (minnows) and keep them in a minnie bucket.  When you were anchored at your fishing hole, you would remove the inner bucket (full of holes) and throw it overboard to keep the fish alive.

One time, Dad told Elaine to throw the minnie bucket in the water.  She hesitated a bit, and Dad repeated his request, so she put it over the side and we all watched it  sink into the depths, where it is today. She was trying to say that it wasn't tied onto the boat!