I would be careful using braid and a fast action, stiff rod for throwing eels. Learn to have your thumb ready to clamp down in an instant when the eel flies off to the right and the hook lands at your feet
If you want to throw eels with braid, the ticket is a rod with either a fast action and soft tip, or a parabolic rod that bends continuously for 1/3 to 1/2 its length.