Pike and Smelt

[jeremy L]

I finally got my hands on some whole smelt, deadbait, :woohoo1: , and plan on using them for pike among other things. From what i have read, smelt with a tipup or deadstick rod setup is the way to go for big prespawn pike.

Now, Has anyone tried the smelt method on pike? Looking for some tips from people who have used this method. The biggest thing i'm trying to figure out is if i want a large single hook or med. treble hook with stinger.

Thanks for any help.

[jsmith2232]

Yes i have tried and it works very well, You have to vacum pack them while they are soft to pop the air bladders so they don't float belly up. I just use a treble in the back, Dying them redish orange with food coloring works really well.

[2tundras]

Yup, hard to screw em up. I just started using em a couple years ago and they rock. I marinate mine in a little liquid smoke. Makes for a mean scent trial. Although there fine right outa the freezer as long as there is a little slick coming off them. If you don't have the slick your missing out. Pike really rely on scent.Get this, I froze a bunch as cut up bait for lakers, and a bunch whole for pike. My lovely wife gave the whole ones to my mother-in-law for a bear dinner (Indian thing). So now I'm screwed.

[fire-tiger]

Smelt, herring or even sardines will work well for the big pre spawn. I have had luck locating the larger pike in deeper water. Try the bottm of a break at a weedline. My regular tip-up/spearing spot is 8-10' of water on the break to 30'. If I am going to target the large pike I will bait a swedish hook with a herring or smelt and fish the 30'. The swedish hook holds the dead bait in a horizontal presentation. Dropping this to 1-2' off the bottom can get you a trophy fish if you put in the time. A 40" 20# pike is nearly 20 years old and usually very lazy when it comes to finding food. They love something dead laying on or near the bottom.

[Ansel]

I use up here in Marquette County and have had good luck with them. One thing I do is let them thaw out a bit, just enough that you can take pop the air sacks, then I put them in the water and give them a little squeeze to let the air out and take in some water. That way they will sink. However you do it I like them. The work well and you don't have to worry about getting live bait all the time.

[Dutch]

Just curious on where you can pick up frozen smelt?

[fire-tiger]

most decent grocery stores or seafood shops have frozen smelt.

[jsmith2232]

Big O fish house in Caledonia has got a ton of them, I used to work there and I still get them from there. They have some jumbos and they are only like 2 something a pound. Their # is 616-891-5555. They also have a ton of awesome smoked stuff.