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Post by dominodaves on Mar 27, 2015 8:38:08 GMT -6
SmeltKing, The answer depends on what size net you are pulling. The bigger the net the bigger and stronger the poles need to be. I wouldn't advise aluminum. I don't think it will hold up. I see plenty of wooden handles out there. They do flex quite a bit. Especially if you are pulling a 25' Christiansen. I use PVC pipe with caps on both ends, and have a Christiansen. Holes drilled for the ropes. And holes in ends for the water to drain out. I also tie on an additional loop of rope from the top of the poles to the bottom. I use this loop over my back and walk backwards in the water and let my body do the pulling and not my hands. This saves a lot of wear and tear on your back, hands, and forearms. If you do this the poles won't flex much at all. I call it a back rope. I hope this helps!
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Post by MJ on Mar 28, 2015 7:36:31 GMT -6
It's 2015 and we have been posting on last years thread. Since the traffic seems to be picking up a bit. It's time to officially start the new seasons discussion on this years thread. I'm excited for another season of course. And I too have been rereading the last few years posts to create more ideas, fan my anticipation, and gain some more incite to this addicting sport. It would be good to see a more "normal season" this year. But that isn't likely to be the case. It would seem that every year there is always something that mother nature throws at us to make us wonder what's really going on. So lets start the conversation everyone! Who's ready to go? Dave; OK, We have friends in from Australia and I grew up in WI and told them about smelting on Lake Michigan. We are all in the Twin Cities through May...isn't there a number one can call to find out where to go and when? Any advice to at least get a smelt meal for the Aussies would be welcomed. We have 2 nets between all of the locals here as that's all I remember using from Lake Michigan....anyhow...any advice for a one off smelting trip??
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Post by captainkirkduluth on Mar 29, 2015 16:28:34 GMT -6
I like the rope idea Dave.
I use 8-9ft ironwood (3-4 in. diameter and drawknifed) poles on my 25' christiansen bag sein.
Windy out there today. Still a lot of ice coverage on the east end of the lake. My guess is mid-april for the start.
MJ - it varies from year to year depending on conditions. Just keep an eye on this forum. When stuff starts happening it will be posted here within a day. As far as where to go - if you are using a sein try park point or wisconsin point. Just look for the crowds and campfires.
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Post by yammaddogg on Mar 29, 2015 21:44:29 GMT -6
What areas are recommended for dip nets captain kirk?
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Post by outdoorman on Mar 30, 2015 0:05:30 GMT -6
One of the great spot for dipping net is lester river but the river need to cool down first if you wanna be safe there.
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Post by dominodaves on Mar 30, 2015 7:44:55 GMT -6
MJ,
1st off welcome to our fun filled forum! If everyone is around through May you are all in luck! There is no number to call for spots or if they are running. Well......., you could call the local bait shops, but I think the info here is much more valuable and current. Plus people are usually very willing to help out newbies and folks who haven't smelted in years. I happen to be one of them. So, a couple of questions. What kind of nets do you have? Yes, that makes a big difference on where to go, and how to get r done. How well do you know the Duluth area? And how flexible are you in terms of days that you can go chase the smelt? Weekend only folks are at the mercy of the weather and that can be notoriously frustrating. If that is the case, no worries. You will get smelt, but it may be tougher on you and your friends.
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Post by dominodaves on Mar 30, 2015 10:28:46 GMT -6
captainkirkduluth, You are correct about posting results pretty fast. But the last couple years we have been posting real time results right on the beach or at the rivers edge! You can't get it any faster than that!
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Post by captainkirkduluth on Mar 30, 2015 17:34:05 GMT -6
Ah, righton Dave. I forgot about the smart phones. Looks like the ice off the park point beach is disappearing. Maybe we'll be able to get the nets out sooner than I thought.
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Post by johnnyniceguy on Mar 31, 2015 20:38:38 GMT -6
Hello all! Every year I get the crave for a meal of smelt. Just retired and to be honest; I haven't dipped a net since the 1970's. Found your website last season & followed it every evening. Didn't have the time to try to catch up with you guys. I found my old dip net tucked away in the very back of my storage shed. Looks like it will still do the job. I am in the cities; so a road trip would be in order. I will watch your site as an evening habit to see how things are starting to develop for a smelt run. Spring has sprung. I will have my did net in my hand. Thanks for being here! john
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Post by laodude on Apr 1, 2015 3:25:58 GMT -6
Does anyone know if the smelts are running yet? Don't want to drive all that way if they are not running yet. Thanks in advance for your info.
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Post by dominodaves on Apr 1, 2015 13:30:25 GMT -6
Great news everyone! The wind switched and blew pretty good from the right direction and some vigorous surf broke up the remaining ice piles on the beach and deposited the last of the ice up on shore. Looks like Park Point will be ready to seine anytime now. Do I expect the smelt to be there waiting like last year? No. But we are a month and a half a head of last year in terms of ice. Now the waters can warm, sampling can begin, and happy smelters won't be far behind!
laodude, I don't think they are running just yet. But I think with the ice off the beach it shouldn't be real long before some success is seen on Park Point. The rivers should kick in after that. Stay tuned!
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Post by 2fresh on Apr 1, 2015 13:40:04 GMT -6
Wooohoo! Nice April fools joke Dave. Haha i'm kidding, the cam looks good on park point! Can't wait!
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PZX Fishing Journal
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Post by PZX Fishing Journal on Apr 1, 2015 15:33:49 GMT -6
Well guys I am so glad that this site exist. I have been smelting for many years now and this is the spot where all the enthusiast are. I have heard of people heading to duluth already for the run. I think personally its still too early, but from the looks of the weather and the ice it wont be long. two more weeks and we should start seeing our first smelt run.
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Post by captainkirkduluth on Apr 1, 2015 16:10:43 GMT -6
Yep, lots of wind breaking up what ice is left on PP. I'm just worried about that giant mass of pack ice in the eastern end of the lake making its way west. Haven't had a good view on MODIS in the past 4 days or so.
Anyway, it looks like we'll have conditions for sampling at least. I agree Dave, it will take a little warming before things really start moving.
It's 40F here right now and a look at the weather map says is 80F in the twin cities... Oh the joys of living next to the big lake.
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Post by dwalker on Apr 1, 2015 22:21:11 GMT -6
Hi all. Been reading for a week. Dave, text me your number, I lost my contacts. I fished last year with some guys on the point who usually hit grindstone. Text or call me if you get this. Might go on my own pretty soon. -Walker 218-391-8098
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