Frozen Smelt

[Mike Boehler]

My annual hunt for frozen smelt is beginning. I can't believe these things are as hard to find as they are.
I'm looking for the Large Ones, like 6" to 10" long or bigger if I can find them. I've had some from the Colorado River, but can't find them anymore.
Last two years I got them from Hillyers, Kenport Marina in RI and some other place, but they are all small.

Can anyone hook me up with some big ones somewhere? I need them flash frozen with heads and guts. Strictly bait.

It seems like I post this message every year, but I can't settle on a supplier.

As always, any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

[MC]

Off topic, but could not resist.

When I was a little guy, my grand parents lived in the Upper Penisual of Michigan. We'd try and make a visit up there during the smelt runs. At times you could walk accross the streams with all the smelt that were in those waters, I recall using my arms as kind of a net to scope them on the bank.

Deep fried smelt- they were good.

Might see if you can locate a fish monger in Escanaba, Michigan or maybe in the Wisconsin area. Might come accross someone who filled thier freezer with smelts from the last run and has a bunch he can send you.

[IZZY]

Try "asian" suppermarkets, they always have them, the are plentiful also from bait stores in NJ

Fluke bait???

[paraman]

shoprite food markets get fresh smelt about this time for a very good price. I have seen them also have very large smelt. When I get them I vacuum seal them for bait. It's worth a try to call Shoprite as well as Big y super markets.
paraman

[Mike Boehler]

Thanks, I'll check those out.
I checked some online asian grocery stores with no luck, Not too many asian stores where I live, but I'll continue checking.

Izzy: Got any names of bait shops in Jersey??


Thanks,

Mike