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View Full Version : Rainbow smelt ?

NJ Dave
04-15-2019, 12:48 PM
Is anyone aware where I can but whole rainbow smelt to be used as fishing bait ?
NOT Peruvian smelt, RAINBOW SMELT...
To be used in an upcomming Vermont trout trip
Thanks
AndyS
04-15-2019, 01:06 PM
Not sure if there is a commercial market for Rainbow Smelt.
NJ Dave
04-15-2019, 01:14 PM
Not in America anyway. ACanada company sells them but between the price and shipping it's well over $60 for dead bait.
Alaska sells them also bit again, shipping cost are not cheap.
Godrew1972
04-15-2019, 03:37 PM
Where you headed in Vermont
I fish the white river every year in the bethel area for the past 25 years.
Love it up there
NJ Dave
04-15-2019, 06:41 PM
Not sure yet, I'll be up at my cabin in Lake George NY all week and wanted to explore the Vermont fishery while I make my beer runs into Vermont.
Jedhead
04-15-2019, 08:40 PM
I think the most important question is what beer you are chasing???? Was expecting an Easter delivery from my son in NH, but unfortunately he had to cancel. Was up in Feb. and brought a boat load back for me and a few friends , but running low.Always curious to see what others bring back. The IPA taste and selection up there is second to none!
NJ Dave
04-15-2019, 08:57 PM
Fiddlehead is the norm as it's closer to me than Alchamist or Lawsons but I am due for a Heady run
Vermont by far brews the best beer.
Ever have Farm Hill Stead or something along those lines... never made that trip.......... yet!!!!
WhaleFart
04-18-2019, 09:50 PM
My company FreshDirect sells them whole but headless.
NJ Dave
04-19-2019, 10:14 AM
Really, are they true rainbow smelt as most are not, if so how can i go about getting a few to try, I'm at a loss as of now.

Thanks
RichS
04-20-2019, 12:39 PM
I've seen whole smelt at Shop rite. Probably not rainbow smelt, but not sure the fish will discriminate.
NJ Dave
04-20-2019, 06:55 PM
The SR ones are usually headded and cleaned, frezer burnt and not rainbows but i will check the local shop rite at this point

Thx.
acabtp
04-21-2019, 09:21 AM
Just in case you run into a CO on your trip keep in mind that:
... Before being imported to Vermont, dead baitfish or fish eggs must be commercially processed in a manner that allows the product to be stored without refrigeration or freezing to maintain the unopened product. Imported dead baitfish or fish eggs must be retained in the original package at all times...

VT is very particular about baitfish regs, might be easiest to just get the smelt when you are up there