Bait
 

where do you get the best smelts for bait in the Calgary area? when hunting lakers does the quality of bait matter? I've been getting freezer burnt smelts that are soft and even brown in places? not much action with this??
Thanks for any advice or suggestions.

Since Superstore has stopped selling the large packages of whole frozen smelts I have been using their packages of headless/gutted smelts for pike (tipped on a jig). Seems to make no diffence to the pike. I also buy the large packages of frozen herring at Superstore. Smaller packages of frozen smelts are available at CT, Fishin Hole, Cabela's and Bass Pro.

Some decent herring at superstores usually for pike tip ups. Last week my local one was out though but had some large 7-8” thawed smelts. I found some good looking smaller 3” smelt on sale at T&T for jigging. They seem ok so far but don’t have much freeze/thaw cycles on them. It’s hit or miss though. The ones you get at bait fridges are usually better but lots more money.