hooking smelt

[METIPPIN]

I have never used smelt on my tip ups. wht is the best way to hook them? I have medium smelts about 3-5"'s. I know that they are sensitive and wont last long. Any input would help.

[Pasquatch]

I'd hook them like all my other minnows, back behind the dorsal fin. Or you could hook them through the lips...but I don't like that as much. my two cents.

[METIPPIN]

I figured it would be the same as any other I just quess you cant go to deep with the baithook.

[Pasquatch]

I figured it would be the same as any other I just quess you cant go to deep with the baithook.

Yeah, I would use small hooks.

[jacksmelt71]

use as thin wire hooks as possible. they will last longer on the hook. walleye octopuss hooks is what i use.

[Water Wolf]

I see you are talking about live smelt.In my area we are not allowed to use live fish as bait, so I use the frozen smelt. If your smelt die on you they are still fine. I like to use a quick-strike rig on them with one hook near the head and the other near the tail. I also like to center punch them, they stay on the hook well.

WW