Species guide
How to catch Surf smelt
Hypomesus pretiosus
brackishsaltwatergame fishOsmeridae
The surf smelt is a small, slender fish known for its silvery appearance. It inhabits brackish and saltwater environments along the Pacific coast of North America. This species is valued by anglers for its active feeding behavior and is often used as bait itself.
Where they live
Found in brackish and saltwater of the Pacific coast in North America. Young surf smelt may ascend rivers but mainly occupy offshore and inshore marine waters as adults.
Typical size
Up to about 31 cm
What they eat
- small crustaceans
- worms
- jellyfish
- larval fishes
- benthic animals
- zooplankton
Best baits
- small shrimp
- worms
- small baitfish
Best lures
- small spoons
- soft plastics
- jigs
How to fish for them
- bait fishing
- light tackle fishing
- cast nets
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