This year, the smelt fishing season in the Kuršių marios has been notably delayed, leading to a sharp increase in prices. Last February, the kilogram of smelt cost between 10-12 euros, but this year the price has escalated to 17-18 euros. The new market in Klaipėda reports that despite the high prices, the smelt is being sold out almost instantly, indicating a strong demand among consumers. According to Viačeslavas Karmanovas, the director of the new market, smelt is still a rare offer at this market, sparking further interest among local customers.

Local fishermen and ice-fishing enthusiasts have noted that smelt are already present in the lagoons; however, they seem to be scattered rather than plentiful. Andrius Stirbys, representing the small company Marių gidas that assists fishermen in reaching the lagoons, observed that while catching smelt has started to pick up recently in Preila, it has not reached the expected mass influx yet. The fluctuations in weather conditions, including changes in pressure and the lingering winter, appear to be factors influencing the behavior of smelt.

Fishermen and organizers are optimistic that as the weather continues to change, the smelt season will gain momentum. The current situation suggests that favorable weather patterns for smelt fishing are on the horizon, with anticipation growing among the fishing community. As the season progresses, there is hope that the numbers will increase and stabilize, allowing for more successful catches and potentially adjusting prices in response to supply and demand.