Also how do you keep them between trips? Do you remove them from the plug or jig head?

Using my deal eels and I don't take them off. I store them in kosher salt.
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I try and get my own. I also check all the shops and ask for the the largest ones they have or will get. To save them for me. I just remove hooks every time I store which is a zip lock with kosher salt in the fridge. I have used the same skins all year on a Conrad, needle, and a Danny and a skin jog and they are wearing well. If I could post some pics from my phone I would show you a few good ones so far this year. I will be throwing some tonight.
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Using my deal eels and I don't take them off. I store them in kosher salt.
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X2

My local shop if they have em big enough to skin

If not cow harbor in LI sells em brined and ready to go in every size for a fair price and they ship.

I store my plugs in a ziplock bag in the freezer, 1 plug in each bag. No issues all season
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I trap all my own eels... so that is not an issue...

once cured (after skinning I coat the inside and out with Kosher salt and dry)... once attached to the plug... I simply hang the plug and let the skin dry.. some plugs have been in service for 10 years now.. as long as they are stored in a cool dry place they will not mildew...

Good to know
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I trap all my own eels... so that is not an issue...

once cured (after skinning I coat the inside and out with Kosher salt and dry)... once attached to the plug... I simply hang the plug and let the skin dry.. some plugs have been in service for 10 years now.. as long as they are stored in a cool dry place they will not mildew...
Wow, I thought they had to be refrigerated and kept from drying out. Would you say the hardware stands up better letting them dry out? I have never used one on a plug thinking the salt would accelerate the corrosion of the hooks and swivels leading to failure.
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Just checked the cow harbor site they get 12.00 for a big skin or rigged eel. Glad I learned how to acquire my own skins and rig my own eels. One two pound blue and that 12.00 rigged eel is toast!

Swivels are stainless. Hooks get removed when stored for me. Might give Joe's technique a try.
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as far as trapping eels.. this is a really good time as they are now migrating....

Local shop, skin and immediately put on plug, stored in the freezer. On the plug, hooks on too.

I tried the all Kosher salt thing this year and the skins dry out and break around the toilet chain trailers I used.

I switched to a link of clips so there's no rough edges. The comparison is not even close in the skin lasting while using a trailing tail inside the skin.
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