Some of our members have been paying attention to the smelt and giving them a try yesterday and tonight. With the weather lately the smelt should be in within the week. If you are interested, stay tuned.
I have a seine set aside for me at H. Christiansen Co. here in Duluth, MN. They make the best smelting nets available. The best ones have a bag in the middle. They are 4' high and 25' long. The bag in the middle is 4' x 4' x4' and it collects the fish. If you want the net to pull easiest then the normal seine that's 4' by 25' (the max size for fishing in Minnesota). They can make nets to order too. Just call them at 218-724-5509. The normal seine costs $77.50 plus tax and the seine with the bag is $155 plus taxes.
The FlyMaster and I will be checking out the mesh bags they have there for use when weighing our bass this year. They sound very interested in getting us set up after we asked about dual weigh bags. We will let you know what we find out.
Yes, I looked them up. The net to buy is the 4'X25', 3/8" #126 Seine. You can click here to see it and/or buy one: 4'X25', 3/8'' #126 Seine. It is the net, floats, weights and ties for the ends. All you need are some poles for the ends.
The top of the line and most purchased is the 4'X25', 3/8" with the 4'X4'X4' bag in the middle. I couldn't find it to order it online. But I beat if you email or call them you can get that too.
They website is http://www.christiansennets.com
Since smelting is coming quick you could get out with us and try one, then if you like it, you could easily order one by next year.
Be sure to bring some chest waders and warm clothing, it will be cold. I am not sure of the amount of smelt, but a couple buckets or coolers would probably be fine, the runs aren't what they used to be. But this is the best way to get them. Man I remember the days you could fill the truck, but now you work to fill a couple 5 gallon buckets.
I hear that they should be going within days, they have caught a few, but the water needs to warm just a bit to trigger the big runs.