Fishing for Surf smelt

Hypomesus pretiosus

The surf smelt is a small, slender fish typically found in coastal waters and estuaries along the Pacific coast. It averages 6-9 inches in length and weighs up to 0.2 pounds. With a silvery body and translucent fins, it feeds on plankton and small invertebrates. Surf smelt are known for their schooling behavior and seasonal spawning runs. This summary is AI generated

Water type

Saltwater / Mixed

IUCN Status

Not evaluated

Threat to humans

Harmless

Source: Fishbase

Best baits to catch Surf smelt

According to catch data from over 20 million anglers on Fishbrain, these are the best baits used to catch Surf smelt.

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Biggest Surf smelt catches

Explore your local leaderboard—see the top catches in the app.

Recently caught Surf smelt

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Surf smelt

San Clemente Pier

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Surf smelt

Pismo Beach Pier

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Surf smelt

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Surf smelt

Ventura County Coast

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Surf smelt

Los Angeles County Coast

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Surf smelt

Bodega Harbor

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Surf smelt

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Surf smelt

Sweetwater Channel

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Surf smelt

Corona Del Mar Bend

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Surf smelt

Corona Del Mar Bend

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