Back in 1974 or 75 my Dad and 2 other guys got in a pickup and went up to Duluth after the Smelt. They had a stock tank in the back of the pickup. They brought back about 200 gallons of them. And the wildlife club in Harvey had a smelt fry. Take a scissor and cut the head off and up the belly to gut them out. I cleaned 100's of them. I was 14 yrs old and must of ate a gallon myself. Make sure the oil is good and hot before you dip them in. If not there mushy and not cooked all the way. I could eat a few now, I do know I wouldn't tank up on them now days.