Smelt Fishing Techniques in Texas

Smelt typically swim in the mid-water column and are normally found less than a mile from shore. These seawater fish swim in schools and prefer shallow water less than 19 feet deep. The movement patterns of smelt, however, are linked to changes in water temperature, and this fish moves to deeper water during summer. Smelt are highly prized for their sweet-tasting flesh and Texas fishermen use various techniques to catch this fish.

  1. Shallow Bays

    • Skilled fisherman cast for smelt in shallow, sheltered areas such as Matagorda Bay in Texas. High and early outgoing tides or the incoming tide work best in these bays, where fishermen wade and cast in ultra-clear water. The water in bays is typically less than two feet deep and anglers must cast accurately, with a light line and lure, in order not to scare the smelt. Anglers make high-speed runs through this shallow water until they reach the area they want to fish. Fisherman then cast to smelt that are cruising over the flats. Fishing for smelt in this fashion tests an angler̵7;s skill to the fullest.

    Baits

    • Shrimp is the all-purpose saltwater bait and probably the best bait to use when casting inshore. Smelt will normally take shrimp, but also eagerly target hooks with pieces of marine worm species and small fish, such as silversides. You can also use cut bait (which consists of pieces of a dead fish) when casting either offshore or inshore. Smelt will also take squid and shellfish by approaching the bait slowly before sucking it in.

    Secrets to Success

    • When casting into deeper water, move the hook very slowly up and down to make sure it passes through the school. Always keep your eye on the line, as smelt produce very light taps when taking the bait. It is also important to ice smelt immediately after hooking them, to keep their delicate flavor. Drain and replace ice and water in the cooler often to keep the fish as cool as possible.

    Nets

    • Smelt stay close to the coast and it is possible to catch this fish in circular nets, with weights around the circumference. These fish are social and swim in schools in shallow water, which makes it possible to use nets in sheltered areas, such as Matagorda Bay, where the water is particularly clear and the fish are easy to see. Angling for smelt is considered more challenging and demands far more skill than using a net, but both nets can be an occasional alternative to catching individual fish on a hook.