There's a new group being formed called "Wild Smelt Forever". It will be dedicated to the conservation of Wild Smelt!

As you probably don't know smelt populations are currently depressed and with the increased consumption of them of various native predators and human over fishing, smelt are at risk.

Therefore, starting today, I have created a new organization hereby known as "Wild Smelt Forever".

Anyone who would like to affiliate themselves can do so freely by responding to this thread.

Just to set the record straight, Mr. Pearson...

Wild Smelt Forever is not about the conservation of wild smelt - we are more about the preservation of these tasty morsels.

I can hardly believe people use the lovely eulie as bait, when it truly deserves a culinary place of it's own.

Bruce,

Your choice to finally organize and become part of the solution, rather than continue to sit on the sidelines and complain about how it goes is admirable.

If only we could convince everyone else who chooses to sit on the sidelines and complain about the fact that there are people actually working to make the fishing world a better place to get off their duffs, as you clearly have, and be part of the solution.

My hat is off to you...

Fish on...

Todd

Thank you Todd!

However I have always choosen to be active in many issues. This is just my lastest endeavour.

I hope this isn't another one of the political lobbyist groups.

Even if it was

It would require lots of money to be truly effective... :p

I'll join, though the group should be renamed either "Wild Eulachon Forever" or "Wild Ooligan Forever".

Many do not realize it, but the fine State of Oregon was named after this fish. Anthropologists at the University of Oregon recently discovered the true origin of the name, and the discovery was featured in a recent issue of Oregon Historical Quarterly:

http://www.uoregon.edu/~oq/assets/pdf/MightyOoligan.pdf

Whether it is called Smelt, Candlefish, Eulachon, or Ooligan, we must protect this important resource! I nominate myself as head lobbiest. I'll arrange for my office in Olympia tomorrow. In the meantime, you can send your checks to... wait a minute, were you guys kidding?

Support for the WSF group has been positive so far. I'll be starting our first chapter South Side Smelters towards the end of the month. All who care abou the preservation of wild smelt are welcome to join. Bring your favorite brine and dipping sauces!

Smelt what the heck is a smelt?? J/K( bait)

Dont forget "dip and release" is a must!

When you say you are preserving smelt, do you mean by pickling them?

Is it lawful to hold a smelt out of the dipping sauce while we take a photo of it?

C'mon guys please have some respect for our wild smelt.

I'm finding this whole dipping sauce thing very offensive.

Pickling them is just one of the rituals we perform for these, God's finest of finned creatures.

Other rituals include various wood smokes, kosher salts and herbs, and occasionally a good frying.

Sorry folks, I used smelt for bait a couple of times. I feel bad about it now... I am grounding myself for two weeks. Hope that sets things straight.. If thats not enough I am sure I could get the wife to give me a proper spanking.. until I cry even.

Well at least that is a step in the right direction.

I hope your wife isn't to hard on you. I applaud your effort.

Wild Smelt Forever!!

How come i dont see anyone with a smelt avatar?

Maybe Bill Clinton would be interested in becoming a national spokesman for WSF. It has been proven that he has dipped and smelt and ........... smoked

SMELT PRESERVATION:

Use scissors to remove the head & guts.

Brine & smoke per the Luhr Jensen recipe: "The Beer Drinkers Friend"

I like 'em cuz the skin & bones makes 'em nice 'n chewey.