I am pike fishing soon, just wondering if any body has a pref for dead bait, normally use smelt or eel...?

Smelt is a great bait to use since it is an oily fish. The oil will leave a scent trail and the pike will home in on your bait. If you have a place to net smelt during their runs you can put some in bags in your freezer and take them out as you need them. Good luck fishing.