Rigged Eels

I have been attempting to rig eels without the tin squid utilizing two 7/0 siwash hooks. My problem is the the eel tends to slide down the shank of the front hook. I have placed a wrap just above the front hook, which helps but Im interested in how to keep the head in place. Im not interested in the tin squid version. Thanks

[Saltheart]

Tie the hook on closer to the tail hook. You can do this by sliding the eel body way down the line so that head hook knot can be tied closer to the tail hook. Put the hook in so it exits about 3/4 inchbehind the eel head. Wrap some waxed linen around the eel behind the head but infront of the hook bend exit point. Tie it tight. This way even if the hook slips up a little , it can't get by the wraps around the eel behind the head. Use very light thread to wrap around the head down to the mouth to keep it closed. If the mouth opens the eels tend to twist. don't worry if the head hook pulls up a little. Eventually the casting will bring the hook bend right up to the wraps behind the head and that's as far as it will go. The hooks must be super sharp to get the most out of an eel rigged that way.

[Mike P]

Damon, look for a book titled "Secrets of Surf Fishing at Night" written by William "Doc" Muller of Long Island. Published by Wavecrest Communications. I believe The Surfcaster catalog has it. It has a great illustrated chapter on how to rig eels, written by an old-time sharpie here, Al Bentsen. What he does to keep the eel from sliding down the front hook is solder a piece of 16 gauge single-strand copper wire around the hook shank. Sorta like a mouthpiece for the eel.

Thanks for the tips

[Saltheart]

One thing more you can do is to stitch through the eel head and through the hook eye. that helps keep the hook in and also helps to keep it pointing straight down away from the eel body. I used to do it but its too much work for the small improvement you get.