dead smelt for cats ?

[richyb]

i have heard people talking about using big stinky minows for channel cats. i was out shopping today and seen a big bag of frozen smelts . Then i got thinking ... Is it legal to use dead smelts for channel cats ? and would they work ? thanks guys.

[Rich]

Yes and yes. When I'm in a pinch for bait I go buy a bag of frozen smelts from the grocery store. Works well, but better if you leave it in the sun for a couple days.

[wallyboss]

Buy a bag of no-name raw shelled shrimps. I use the size that says that there is about 70 shrimps per bag. the bag is about $6.99 so it ios a lot cheaper than using worms. I know that the cats in the Ottawa river just love those shrimps.

 

here's one that got fooled by a no-name shrimp.

 

[Toronto_Angler]

How well do frozen smelts stay on the hook? I'd like to use them for pike when season opens.

[wallyboss]

Make sure you buy the shelled ones . But I just cast them out and leave on bottom . If no bites then I replace every 20 minutes. with smellier. I am not sure how long they would last if you trolled or cast and retrieve????