The two of you had sardines that are in a whole different league than what the OP is talking about, fresh sardines grilled are fantastic.

I grew up eating canned sardines on toast for a weekend lunch with my Pop. Mom hated the smell and taste. I too like the wide variety of sardines available (mustard, chili, paprika).

And like pogopossum states, if you like sardines in a can, give the other fish varieties a try^

Fried smelt deserves a thread of it's own. $0.25 beers & a basket of fried smelt. Awesome.