Never had 'em any way but smoked, but I found them delicious that way. Only time I ever ate a fish, guts, bones, fins, and all and enjoyed every bite. And this comes from a guy who is so picky about fish flesh that he usually cuts the lateral line goo out of salmon and steelhead fillets before cooking them. I didn't eat the heads, but everything else had a very consistent flavor that was quite good. If I had any idea how or where to dip smelt, I'd probably do it. Good luck to those who do.