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herring at least ocean herring suck! boney as can be ....and I wouldn't pickle a fresh watwe fish without freezing it first ....why waste your time on a big minnow ......only thing herring are good for is cut bait rigs
http://The term cisco is also specifically used of the North American species Coregonus artedi, also known as lake herring.
Man, they would make some good cut bait I bet. I used to like using rudd for cut bait but I don't do much catfish fishing anymore. I never tried eating a herring or a bunker or any baitfish and I certainly wouldn't start by trying Cisco. They are something different to catch but I only get them on accident. I wouldn't bother targeting them.
That's funny. I never really got into eating smelt. Tried them but not a big fan. But they make great bait. Especially pike bait...and laker bait. I used to catch them and freeze them. Also they are kinda pita to clean if you do want to eat them. I only tried Cisco once and didn't like it. Never tried eating any other baitfish.
alewives are not native to the great lakes they come from the alantic ocean