[OutOfTheCube]

Originally Posted by DoubleF

I recall using smelt as bait for fishing.

https://www.thesaurus.com/e/grammar/smelled-vs-smelt/

This says smelled and smelt are both correct for past test of smell, but smelt might be a more rare usage in American English.

I think it's one of those scenarios where 'smelt' isn't technically correct but it's been used so often that it's kind of wormed its way in.