Live Smelt v. Dead Smelt

[pike addict]

Which is a better bait for Lake Trout?

[HARDTOP]

the secret is getting it in front of him and the presentation macks are aggressive and they don't care if its dead or alive anyway that's been my experience/ good luck

[thessalaker]

I agree - if they are feeding, it doesnt matter whats hanging there.
i use dead smelts, and a line holder called a fishhawk, which is a wind activated banana shaped rig that hangs from a stick over the hole, and moves my dead smelt erratically with every puff of wind.  works great.