At times the schools of surf smelt can be so thick that you can't help but snag them while plugging from shore. Pacific coast striped bass will key in on the spawn and slaughter these baitfish as they lay their eggs on the sand. I've gutted stripers with up to two dozen smelt in their bellies. These baitfish are especially active during the full moon on incoming tide. Bucktails, Daiwa SP Minnow, Payo Barracuda and Yo Zuri Mag Minnow are just some plugs that are productive when surf smelt are present.