Smelting

[Smelter]

I have a couple questions on smelting if any of you guys or gals can help. I'm hoping to do some smelting for the first time in my life this spring. The only net I really have is a throw net that I use to catch minnows down in the Florida Keys. Would this work? If not, what should I make or buy?? Also, besides for the ones we clean to eat, how should we preserve the smelt we would like to use for bait? Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a ton!

[Duane]

Can't help you on how to preserve the smelt for bait, but as for the net question, I know in New York the DEC specifies the maximum size net you can use (I think 14" diameter). You should check the laws where you're smelting. They make nets specifically for smelting, and they only run around $10.

Good luck!
Duane

[Bottomfeeder]

I am sure each state has rules about what size net you can use. When I lived in Michigan, we used dip nets with handles. In Wisconsin we pull a 50' sein(sp). The only preserving we did for bait was we would put a Sweedish hook in some of them and freeze them fir ice fishing for northern pike. I haven't smelted for a log time, but they sure would taste good again.

[Smelter]

I have heard about these sein's. Does anyone know how to make one or where to buy one?
Thanks