For those of you who do allot of ice off pike fishing do you notice any advantage to using big smelt vs small? Specifically do you notice a preference for the big girls on the smelt?
Yeah so has the super market i go to thus why asked the question to see if they are worth the higher price.Big girls like big... er' smelt Market Place had some huge ones the other day. Easily 7-10 inchers, looked fresh too.
One year I ordered some giant smelt and thought I was gonna slaughter the fatties. The results were....well lets just say I no longer order giant smelt. I still try to use the biggest smelt in the bag that are probably 7 to 8 inches at the biggest. I actually like the herring that come vacuum sealed in those Styrofoam trays. They seem to be a little bigger than your average store bought smelt and are a little flashier. I have caught a three over 20 and plenty over 15 and all have come on the smaller smelt. I really don't think the size matters as much as one would like to think. If you don't mind spending the extra money on the big smelt and it gives you more confidence thats the way to go. I personally don't think the pike care either way. The smelt hanging there isn't swimming away from them regardless if there hungry theyll eat whatever size it is. Its kinda like a fat girl, you think she's gonna pass up that piece of chocolate just cause its small? I doubt it.
I'm with ya Dean. I can't get a take on a herring to save my life while others swear by them. We also catch our fair share of suckers and throw them in the freezer. I thought that would be the hot bait. No dice. Smelt seems to be the only way to go.
Ive ran smelt of all sizes, herring, and i have a bag of frozen sardine in the freezer now to try. I haven't noticed to much of a difference on size of pike compared to size of smelt. if a 16 inch hammer handle wants to hit a 9 inch smelt it will. I've caught them. I have had herring out produce smelt but it all depend on the day, smelt is more reliable for pulling fish up. as some have stated fresh local smelt tops all. even 3-4 inchers from the tailrace will do better than any frozen smelt. as for my 9 inch sardines.... gotta get them out one day. if they dont work the i guess ill grill some up