I've never been smelting before, anyone know what kind of rig or set up you need to go smelting, or any tactics?

[Derik Lee]

I've never been smelting before, anyone know what kind of rig or set up you need to go smelting, or any tactics?

[haresear]

You did not say what type of smelting you are going to do. Smelt run up the rivers to spawn in the spring and many people net them at night when they run heavy. On northern inland lakes smelt are caught through the ice, use a small hook and a minnow. The use of a 12 volt light lowered into the water will help light up the ice and help draw the fish to your bait. I've done both many times and either way it's a lot of fun and the smelt are great to eat!

[Derik Lee]

I want to do some brook and river smelting once it starts up, but i've never been before.

[MLH]

We call that smelt dipping in Michigan - seine or net and a five gallon pail. Check what's legal.

[Buckshott00]

They used to call it smelt dipping, but I don't think it's legal in MI anymore, or maybe it's still legal in the UP. Populations have been dying off, I don't know what a Maine setup is like, if they still allow dipping in Maine I would love to do it.
There are line and hook rigs often with many lines and tiny hooks