Best rods for catching small smelt

[BuschaLatte]

Anyone have any preference for smelt rods?

I'd imagine something very sensitive with an indicator like spring bobber is best due to their tiny bites?

[slipperybob]

While smelts are small and have finicky bites, their strikes are quick and lively.  Their mouths are boney and toothy.  When hooked, they do a lot of lively swimming and ferocious head shakes.  With the exception of weight, I often mistake them for small trout when hooked.  10 feet below the ice, possible rainbow trout.  60+ feet below the ice possible lake trout.  Typical panfish rod will do.

[Iceassin]

Send Smeltbuster a PM. He's a Smelt guru. He'll have the answer for any questions you have.

Me personally? I use a 44"UL with a wire indicator.

[whiteymalone]

At least a medium or medium-heavy action rod with a spring bobber on it. Or a rod like the "Snitch". Smelt are so light that a softer rod just lifts them up in the water column without sinking the hook. A snappy hookset works best.

[badger132]

[Fisherman 1]

Before the smelt population crashed, we used to catch them on a light rod, 24-26", 2lb test with a #6 or 8 hook with a small tuft of red wool or polyester.  Seems like their teeth get caught and can't let go.  Buckets of 50+ were not uncommon.

[snow snake]

   Have gone to board on this site
   at    bottom under Forum       title  Ice Fishing Tip  SMELT

[Iceassin]

Wait...is that a pile of dirty socks and underwear laying on the ice? 

[slipperybob]

someone has been camping for a long time.   

[jacksmelt71]

Shakespeare g2 ugly stick 28in. in u.l. has a very soft tip until mid rod then its stiff like a med action. caught from 5in. smelts up to 3lb whitefish and even a 6lb laker. a good dragged reel and 6lb floro. line you could handle everything  but the biggest fish on those rods, and theyre cheap. $20 each. i own 3.

[stripernut]

DAIWA Christia Smelt Electric Reel
Completely programable.

[pmaloney86]

When they are this sized it doesn’t matter. Can’t believe the size of them out of this body of water.

[BuschaLatte]

DAIWA Christia Smelt Electric Reel
Completely programable.

(Image removed from quote.)

I've been trying to find English instructions on this for a few days now. 

[DR.SPECKLER]

Im no expert on smelt but catch plenty with a ht ice blues in 32 and 36".no indicators needed just pay attention to the tip.

[Dirt23]

Don't actually use rod for catching smelt here we make a board with old traps that are not worth rebuilding. Spool is screwed to board at comfortable height with trap spring fixed above it, slide a wine cork over spring tip an make slit in front of cork to hold line. Extremely sensitive and can produce extra action when jigged.  Sounds confusing but look them up.  We also make a collapsible type if in portables