I've been hearing some reports that sand eels are impossible to come by this year due to seals. I read that tackle shops don't even have fresh ones.

I rake my own and am headed down in early October to the Truro/PTown area. I plan to do some bait fishing along with eels, plugs etc. but am wondering if it is as bad as some are saying.

Not looking for any locations, I have my spots, just wondering if I should plan on other tactics given a limited window of time...

Thanks for any advice.

beware of those selling "freshly thawed" as "fresh" :doh:

I had a good year this year. I am not sure my spot is still producing but I will try on Thurs. morn. as I want to try and bring some over to the Vineyard this weekend. I will send you a PM on how I make out. Paul

Thanks Paul, much appreciated. My trip is short and as such I am questioning if I should commit the time to rake or spend that time in a different spot with different tactics.

Sounds like some of these hand wringing reports are a bit of an exageration!

You can still come by them but it takes some time. Do you have a boat? I go out of the Wellfleet/Truro/Eastham area. PM me for info.

denport we need to have a conversation some time. PM sent. Paul

where can I get a good sand eel rake on the internet??? Or near East dennis?

riverview on 28 in yarmouth. has some nice rakes. have you tried quivet creek outfitters?

professr, where about on the vineyard were u? any of u guys headn over again? im over there all summer and always lookin for friendlies

The commercial rakers are getting all the sand eels they need, so most of the shops should have fresh ones, as long as the guys can get out, weather dependent.

Last year the commercial sand eel drought started mid to late May, we are past that this year so keep the fingers crossed that the eels will continue to come in close for easy raking.

Most shops have rakes - internet shipping wil kill you due to length of handle. Don't skimp on the quality - soddered in tines versus welded for easy replacement and looonngg handle.

where can I get a good sand eel rake on the internet??? Or near East dennis?

They have them at Cape Fisherman Supply in Chatham on depot road.

I was out last week......they were everywhere....in force too...big ones .....