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Post by chhemv01 on Apr 2, 2015 6:34:35 GMT -6
Anyone interested in doing a few test run tomorrow evening? I have a half day off work so I thought id spend the afternoon getting gear ready and head on up if the weather/wind direction looks good. Looks like the ice is off the beach via the cam so as long the easterly winds stay away that ice pack should stay away!
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Post by laodude on Apr 2, 2015 10:14:57 GMT -6
I would join you but I work the weekend. If they are running I'll go try it on Monday the 6. Good luck and let us know how you did.
dominodaves, Thanks for the reply.
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drdb3
Full Member
Posts: 15
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Post by drdb3 on Apr 2, 2015 12:02:42 GMT -6
Just emailed the smelters in our group, told them i should be sooooonnnnn!!!
Thank you sooooo much for keeping us out of towners updated!
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Post by dominodaves on Apr 2, 2015 12:40:36 GMT -6
Every year I get questions about where to get nets for smelting. Here are some suggestions. The sporting goods stores here in the Mpls are don't carry the right smelt dipping nets. The kind you want has a metal basket with a long wooden handle. They usually run about $25.00. Don't buy a mesh net or one with an aluminum handle, they won't last and don't work very well. The Duluth area stores carry a limited supply of these during the spring. Call ahead and make sure they have some in stock. These are the nets that get used in the rivers like the Lester. Marine General, Duluth, (218)-724-8833 L&M Supply, Cloquet, (218-879)-8723 Chalstrom's, Duluth, (218-726)-0094 When working the beaches of Park Point you want to use a seine net. The only one that I would spend my money on is a Christiansen net. They make one specifically for smelt! It's 4'x25' with a pocket. They run $205.00 but with last a very long time if cared for. Christiansen Nets, Duluth, (218) 724-5509 or christiansennets.com/Good luck.
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PZX Fishing Journal
Guest
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Post by PZX Fishing Journal on Apr 2, 2015 13:13:50 GMT -6
I agree with the christiansen net.
funny story, back in 2010 I was up on park point with a frabil seine, could not afford a christiansen at the time. This was early april, I saw a guy and his family with a christiansen that had a sock. The guy was complaining about how heavey it was to pull and wanted to get throw it away. He blamed the net for be too slow that is why he was not catching fish. At that time he did not know it, but the fish were not running yet.
I offered to first take if off his hands and give him my Fabil. He thought about it and than gave me a counter offer, he will sell it to me for $100. It was too good to refuse, I took the net, gave him the money and went home. The next two weeks he watched as I pulled the christiansen, it was lights out on the fish. He, well lets say he did not do so good. probaly the best deal I ever got on a net. Still using it today, very very durable and well worth it.
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Post by dominodaves on Apr 2, 2015 13:35:21 GMT -6
Anyone interested in doing a few test run tomorrow evening? I have a half day off work so I thought id spend the afternoon getting gear ready and head on up if the weather/wind direction looks good. Looks like the ice is off the beach via the cam so as long the easterly winds stay away that ice pack should stay away! Vee, who knows, you just might get some. I was looking at that beach cam. Strong winds blowing off shore, the sun shining nice and strong, and 61 degrees. It does look nice and inviting! The question is does it look inviting to the smelt yet. I think it's a bit early....but......! I wish I could go!!!!! Keep us posted if you go.
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Post by boo boo on Apr 3, 2015 10:15:19 GMT -6
any updates in the Ashland area?
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Post by captainkirkduluth on Apr 3, 2015 13:08:28 GMT -6
Checked out the beach after work today. Looks pretty much wide open except for a few spots to the south of the tot lot. I might make a few pulls tonight.
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Post by Walleyeslayer on Apr 3, 2015 13:53:01 GMT -6
This is too much! Every time I visit this site i get too excited. Thanks to all that is keeping us updated!
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Post by lhmoobvaj on Apr 4, 2015 19:07:52 GMT -6
Everything is shaking up like it's going to be an early one this year. That's exciting especially compared to the last couple of years if memory serves me right.
If weather cooperates hopefully we'll be in full swing in 2-3 weeks! Keep the reports coming and good luck to all!
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Post by captainkirkduluth on Apr 4, 2015 22:49:03 GMT -6
5 pulls 10:30-11:30. Tot lot. Nada.
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Post by laodude on Apr 5, 2015 9:54:44 GMT -6
Same here nothing. Last night I went and watch 4 groups of people by the lift bridge pulling no smelt. From what i can see there are still big slabs of ice on the beach and the the water is about 6 feet back from where it was last year. I talked to one of the cop there he's a smelter too, he was saying its still too early. The reason he was there one of the neighbor called saying the smelter are to loud...lol
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Post by Fishing dude on Apr 6, 2015 15:06:03 GMT -6
Does any body know any good dipping rivers, I'm not trying to take anyone's secret spot but if you could point me towards a couple of rivers that are known for a decent amount of fish it would be really appreciated.
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Post by dominodaves on Apr 6, 2015 16:28:05 GMT -6
Fishing Dude, I think I can give you some ideas. A few places are basically out; The French, Little Sucker, and I believe the Sucker as well. They are posted with no smelting signs. They are easy to see during the daytime, harder at night. These are some of the more dangerous areas off limits because of safety and erosion issues caused by throngs of smelters. And the French is home to the Kamloops Fishery. So beware of which creek and river you are on. It's not a free for all like the 70's used to be.
Places that are good; Lester, Gooseberry, Beaver, Baptism, Temperance. A couple that I'm not sure about; Silver, Encampment, Crow.
I know the Knife is technically smeltable. But it is surrounded by private property, difficult to get to the mouth and back, and tough to dip in with huge boulders and very deep spots since they changed everything down there. I don't go there very much any more because of this.
There is also a creek that comes out by the zoo. This is not one of my spots but some do swear by it.
If anyone can answer some of my not so sure spots that would be great. Otherwise keep us posted on how you do, and good luck!
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Post by Fisher dude on Apr 6, 2015 16:41:21 GMT -6
Thanks!!!
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