Preferred smelt for bait male or female?

[fishnxtc]

I have read a lot of threads lately where people are saying females make the best sturgeon bait. It seems to me that males are firmer than females, so would make a better bait. Would like to know peoples opinion on why females seem to get the highest praise for bait.....

[Flatfish]

I always use the one thats on my hook.Unless there is a bite on,and my hook is baitless due to a shaker.Then I like to use anyones!Unless the only other person in the boat is my wife.Rather see her catch fish then get one myself.Then I bait up with a male or a female.Whichever I grab first.

Have fun out there.
Mark

[BuKuBass]

If the sturgeon is that close so he can "sex" the smelt, it'll probably take it. :grin:

[CAGEY]

I dont know which is best but the easy way to tell male from female is to pick one up and shake it. If you hear his little kahoonies rattle its a male. :tongue: :grin:

Cagey

[ 01-23-2002: Message edited by: CAGEY ]</p>

[Pilar]

Hen shack roe baby!

Female of course. They are soft and don't stay on the hook long but often result in drag ripping fun.

[brshooter]

I was told that sturgeon prefer the females. I think sucking up a bunch of roe is like candy to them and they may hit harder. I don’t think it matters though. Half the time, the sculpins rip the bellies out and get to the roe before the gators do. By the time you half hitch the smelt, smash it, and put nookie juice on it, I don’t think they care. Most of the roe ends up on my bait tray or on the cutting board I use to prepare my bait.

[MasterCaster]

Ok I havent been sturgeon fishing in a couple years but I have been told many times that females full of eggs work much better than the firm males. If this is the case do you think its because of the scent of the eggs or the softness of the females? or both? If its the scent has anyone tried saving the stuff from your cutting boards or bait bags and stuffing/sqirting it into the males belly as a scent? just a thought those lil females sure do make a mess sometimes and it would be nice to find a good use for all the mess.
Jon :smile: :grin: :smile:

[invader]

by far more fish with the female smelt!!. the ones with the eggs just a hanging out...john