Jones Island and other smelt fishing spots

[writeon]

Hi, my name is Maggie Koerth. I'm a freelance writer and I'm working on a story about smelt fishing. I'm trying to find someone who'll let me tag along with them next spring on a smelt run.

The magazine I'm working for on this is mostly interested in places that have a lot of history (if your grandpa fished for smelt there, too, it's perfect!) or that draw big crowds and lots of real characters. If the spot has both, even better.

I've heard that Jones Island in Milwaukee may be what I'm looking for, but I don't know much about the sport so I'm open to all suggestions.

If you're going smelting this spring, please drop me a line. You can reach me at maggie.koerth (at) gmail.com

Thanks!

[Northlander]

Maggie, Come on up to Duluth/Superior and join us. If you want characters we have more than our share! Last year was one of the best years for smelt we have had in a long long time.

By the way we dont "Fish" for them we either use dip nets or seign nets. If you have never seen it your in for a treat. E-mail me if your interested.

[Green&Gold]

I have never done it, but from the stories I hear (about the past), there is some interesting history in this area when it comes to smelting. My father-in-law tells me stories of huge gatherings out on Wisconsin Point years ago when 1,000s used to come for smelt frys. Apparently 5 bucks got you all-you-can-eat smelt and a cup for the 20 or 30 kegs they would go through in a weekend.

[Northlander]

Those days are over but last years smelting was the closest we have had to the "Good Old Days" in many years.

Maybe we should get a crew together and do a FM smelt fry?

Man would that be a story!!!

[Tom Linderholm]

You bring the siegn and I'll bring the characters Steve.

Read through this thread from last year for a little more information:

http://www.fishingminnesota.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=757484&page=&view=&sb=5&o=&fpart=1&vc=1

[Northlander]