Keeping Smelt Fresh?

The Overfishin Condition · 02-02-2003, 06:31 PM

Just go our limits on the Cowlitz, wondering what the best way to keep them fresh is if it's going to be a couple of weeks plus before we get out gator fishin'? Just freeze them plain? Thanks in advance.

fishingfirst · 02-02-2003, 06:39 PM

Send them to me, I will be sure they are cared for! :grin:

I vacuum pack them, some plain, some with scents added. I use the old trays from the meat that we buy, easier to vacuum pack that way. I stick to one layer if I am going to freeze them, uses a lot of bags, but makes it easier while fishing in the boat, that way I don't end up with fish juice all over the boat.

Scott

Stratocaster · 02-02-2003, 06:41 PM

i personally vacuum pack mine, but when i run out of bags i use freezer bags with a little cowlitz water. works great either way. :tongue:

The Overfishin Condition · 02-02-2003, 06:44 PM

Thanks for the tips, we will vacuum pack em, never tried scent, Ill give it a whirl. Fishingfirst if we go dipping again we'll gladly send them your way, it beats dip and release.

fishingfirst · 02-02-2003, 07:44 PM

I still want to try that sometime....the only problem is that the choice between dipping smelt or spending the time sturgeon fishing, smelt dipping loses every time. As long as the stores keep selling me smelt, I just have to spend the time for the big boys.

When you package your smelt try shrimp oil, it outfished the other scents this weekend.

Scott