|
Jaiem:
If your eels are dying that quickly, you are either getting bad, already dying eels or handling them wrong.
John R describes the two best methods for hooking live eels. I have used both methods. many people I have fished with, have caught numerous fish on the same eel, cast after cast and the eel has lived hour after hour. Sometimes we will even wrap an extremly livly eel in a cloth and give his head a few good wacks on the rocks to slow them down so they do not ball up and knot themselves and or the line. You would be very suprised how rugged these guys really are, they come right back to life and still live for hours. BTW, don't be afraid to use an eel who has died. Many fish have been caught on dead eels that have been raked so bad by stripers that they are turning white.
As for circle hooks. I have been using them with eels for two years now and like them quite well.
As for handling, Maybe this will help:
Never put eels in a container with water unless you have an aeration system.
There a number of proven methods for keeping eels alive.
1. Put them in a bucket with moist seaweed.
2. Use the double layer method. place ice in the bottom of the bucket and place another bucket inside the bucket with holes so the moist cold rises to them.
3. Place them directly on the ice and drain the excess water so they are not swimming.
4. Put them in the bucket and just rinse them every once in a while(I use this method). I have even kept eels alive in the refridgeartor using this method for a week or more(before having a live well).
Good luck
John R, one of your favroite South Shore spots produced some fish to 35" on Friday and Saturday at the top of the tide.
|