Eel bobs

[pbadad]

Made a few yesterday. 1/2oz and 3/4oz. 8-10" My question is the hook location, down or up. I put the hook down figuring the keel effect of the hook weight would keep the belly down.
This morning I'm on Tatoo's site and see the eelbob article: by the way is real cool. The picture of both types are exiting out the top of the eel. Is either way right? Up top would be less snagging. With the line tie straight out from the lead, unlike a jighead I would think it would ride true out the bottom.
Would someone please clarify this.

[capesams]

anything that bounces on the bottom I put the hook up...got pic?

[tlapinski]

Hook facing up, just like a jig.

[DZ]

Bill,
Most "eelbob's" will tend to ride hook down because of the keel effect of the hook, some will even ride sideways. If you're worried about the belly or white side of the eel being on top during the retrieve just reverse the way you rig it. That said, in my experience (which is extensive) it doesn't make a difference whether the dark or white side of the eel is on top, the side, or bottom during the retrieve. It's the action…. The key to a true eelbob is the swinging hook – believe me, it makes all the difference. Otherwise everyone would rig them on jig heads with fixed hooks.
One more thing, if you find your eelbob spinning at a fast rate upon retrieve - re-rig it because the eel is probably curled and not straight. A slow spin is OK.

DZ

[Redsoxticket]

If the eels turn bottom side up like a dead fish then the hook that is rigged on top of the eel would act as the keel when in the water if the comparison of the dead fish and eel are true.

Go to the new england aquarium and retrieve the eel as someone observes thru the glass.