'the most delectable fish you've ever eaten'
by Dick Alley
Of late, I've had many inquiries on smelt fishing in these parts.
The old-timers, veteran smelt fishermen, are a special, dedicated breed of anglers, who brave chill Noven.ber temperatures to sit on a dock, pier, or riverbank and wait for a school of smelt to pass by.
The smelt is a tiny fish, running to only six or seven inches in length locally. Their fighting ability is almost non-existent, and they won't hit a lure. They sure are good eating though.
Currently, the smelt run, or lack of it, is on. It's not the way it was five and six years ago, when the wall at Taylor Place on the Saugatuck River in Westport boasted dozens of fishermen on a weekend, all pulling in smelt three and four at a clip. The try-hards are catching a few though.
Where do you go to catch them? Smelt run up tidal rivers at this time of year. Even should you live inland, it's only a short run to Norwalk, Westport, or Fairfield and their tidal estuaries. Boat basins are another good bet. The tiny fish love to feed on grass shrimp found along the docks and pilings. This brings us to the "how-to" of smelt fishing.
Smelt feed on blood worms, sand worms, tiny minnows, and grass shrimp.
Best rig for holding these bats is the Poltrack Rig, consisting of three hooks, displayed on a paper plate in the tackle shops. it's also known as a Tony The Rigger smelt rig. Fished a couple of feet under a bobber, it presents the baits at different levels. If smelt are around, it's deadly.
A rod and reel can be any combination, but the experts seem to prefer the telescoping glass rods, fitted with a light fly reel, and monofilament line.
Veteran smelt anglers take pride in their inventiveness. Many different styles and designs of, fishing-seat-tackle box-bait box combinations are found along the docks. They'll hold everything from lunches and bait, to a ther-mos or flask to keep out the cold.
Should the run improve, and you're lucky enough to catch a few, prepare yourself for the most delectable fish you've ever eaten. Whether you have your own favorite recipe, or just drop them in the deep fryer, you'll be back for more.
If the smelt run continues to be slow in this area, think about Boston Harbor. Other years there have shown tremendous runs of giant smelt, up to a foot long. We'll keep you posted. If they come in, it's worth the trip.
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