Using Frozen & Cleaned Smelts as Bait?, With a "Teaser Head" for Salmon

[sdcaller]

I don't get down to lake Ontario all that often, but several years ago, I used cleaned Smelts with a "Teaser Head"for the Salmon, with some success. I also put a strip of fabric that had been soaked in Herring scent, in the belly.


In the last few years, Smelts have been non-existent in the major grocery stores in Barrie.

Recently, an Asian supermarket (Centra) opened in Barrie and I was in there yesterday. A very interesting store. I bought a package of frozen cleaned Smelts and will use some this week when I go to Bluffers.

I also noticed packages of frozen small whole fish similar to Alewives. I didn't buy any--yet, but I think they could be used with a Teaser Head.

Anyone else using Smelts for bait? What about the other fish I saw there?

I would appreciate your thoughts.

SDC

[Longshank]

somedays anything works

this year I tried calamari with some rewards. best imo is still whole frozen herring, just cut it to fit the teaser head and brine it first. lasts for weeks

this past 4 days flies were hot

[Seguin Fisher]

I often use whole frozen smelts on teasers behind flashers for big lakers on the bay, never caught many salmon on them though ( most of my salmon have come on spoons). I found when the spoons didn’t fire for Lakers, I’d bring out the smelts and teaser heads and it was lights out. Should work on Simcoe for lakers as well.

[finsfurfeathers]

yup stopped going to the bait shop from salmon stuff.
My favourite Asian market carries a sun dried and frozen whole herring about 5" in length squish the head a bit and fits nicely into the holder. less than half the price of strips.
Look for whole frozen uncleaned smelt they roll better.

[sdcaller]

I thought the Smelts I bought on Monday were cleaned.

Surprise, surprise, when I opened the package today to thaw some for Thursday, they are whole and not cleaned.

Even better than I first thought.

SDC

[finsfurfeathers]

Gee its only going to be 30'c tomorrow why thaw them now?
Keep them frozen till you need them and at least keep your sandwich cold too