just read in the patriot ledger a story about the american eel being in trouble . the people in the story are trying to get endangered status for them . if its that bad we have to do what we have to do.its a shame if we lose the eels , its the only live bait avalible in the summer since i have not seen a adult pogie in over 10 years and mackrel were real thin this year , i dont use eels often 3-4 times a year . i will make it a point to not use any this year . what are your thoughs

Well, if you read that story, the conclusion that should be drawn is that the main concern is not recreational fishermen but the food industry. The majority of the eels being caught are shipped to asian markets for Sushi. The other concern was the ability of the eels to be able to gain access to the rivers that they grow to maturity in and not be restricted by man made influences.
If you fish eels 3-4 times a year, you are not even putting a scratch in the overall numbers that they are concerned with.

I read that article last night too and my head started to spin. All I fish with is eels.
I'm gonna be in big trouble.
I'll need another job just so I can afford to stock up on Habs and Macs.

I'm sure the B&Ts read the article, that means prices are gonna go up. Sluggos are startign to look good....

the main problem is that dams are preventing eels from going up stream to mature remove these dams and nature will be alot better off. removing these dams will greatly benefit herring to

The U.S. do not consume as many eels as the Asians and given their popuation accounts for a dent in the eel market.

Click on this report to find how many are confiscated.

Eels gone Asian (http://www.seafood.com/news/current/91320.html)

Sounds like someone starting an eel farm could make a few $$$$