Favorite Northern Bait?

[Steve Foss]

PMs aren't enabled unless you're a member of the HSO/Club Premium forum listed at the top of the main forums directory.

[Mcfin]

I have been a pike fisherman for around 50 years. The bait you use depends on the lake you are on. On one lake I fish, the Northerns won't look at a sucker minnow. On another lake, they will take either suckers or shiners. Some lakes they like dead suckers or smelt. You just have to experiment to see which bait they prefer for your favorite lake.

[Foreverfish1]

Has anyone ever tried the big peserved shad one can pick up at Gander? They look big and they would be easy to pick up for me!

Thanks for any help!

[hobbyfitter]

I stopped at Byerlys and they said they would get smelt for me but they said something about it being fully cooked. Is this an issue or will it work all the same?

[pikestabber]

I stopped at Byerlys and they said they would get smelt for me but they said something about it being fully cooked. Is this an issue or will it work all the same?

I would say don't buy it... The reason smelt are so good as bait is the natural oils they produce/exude into the water. If the smelt is cooked, the oil would be cooked out of them, too.

[Steve Foss]

Originally Posted By: hobbyfitter

I stopped at Byerlys and they said they would get smelt for me but they said something about it being fully cooked. Is this an issue or will it work all the same?

I would say don't buy it... The reason smelt are so good as bait is the natural oils they produce/exude into the water. If the smelt is cooked, the oil would be cooked out of them, too.

+1

[the pike man]

just smelt and med.suckers and red hooks

[Iceboy]

Dead ciscos or smelt for the pigs.

[hobbyfitter]

Does anyone know where i can get uncooked frozen or fresh i guess smelt in the east metro area? Or even a short drive from the east metro. thanks

[Beast26]

Does anyone know where i can get uncooked frozen or fresh i guess smelt in the east metro area? Or even a short drive from the east metro. thanks

Vado's in Spring Lake Park has them. Also, check your local grocery store or order them online and have them shipped to your home (company is in Duluth but the name slips my mind at this time).