How to Make a Smelt Spear

Select a length of lightweight pole appropriate for the depth of the smelt spearing spot you have selected. The pole's circumference should be no smaller than an archery spine and no larger than a rake handle. It should be tested to ensure it can penetrate shallow (two-foot maximum) water swiftly. Sporting goods stores and hardware retailers are good sources for poles.

Determine the approximate size of the smelt to be speared. Select a spearhead with the appropriate shape, sharpness and number of prongs needed. Spears with shorter and more numerous prongs are necessary to capture smaller smelt. Longer prongs work better to spear larger smelt.

Make sure the spear pole is long enough to be retrieved either by hand or by a tether device. Smelt spawn most commonly in the U.S. upper Midwest and Northeast in the late autumn and winter months, so exposure to frigid water in their pursuit presents a hazard.

Affix the spearhead sturdily to the pole. Bear in mind that the adherent must be waterproof. Double-ended screws for wooden poles or archery spines are recommended.

Keep reliable sharpening/straightening tools handy. When smelt spawn, they congregate on icy and rocky lake shores. Every stab at them could cause spear prongs to be dulled or bent.