Synthetic Eel Skins?

[Green Light]

I picked up some large eels for eels skins. Getting large eels is becoming more challenging.

Are there any "synthetic" eel skin options?

PS

A black condom comes to mind. KEEP IT CLEAN BOYS AND GIRLS. ;-).

[Linesider82]

A rubber is only good for one fish lmao, I can't believe I just typed that.

You can get two skins out of one eel. I did a northbar bottle and a SS popper using one eel. The nb I just tapered the open skin with scissors.

On a side note, it seems we always tend to think of the most novel plugs to have as skin plugs but those often require a very large eel. Point being, just use a smaller (thinner) plug.

Has anyone ever used /tried a lamprey? Could contact your states DEP to find out when they remove lampreys from fish ladders. USGS usually collects, documents and discards them during spring.
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[Rob Rockcrawler]

I have seen some fabrics that look pretty eel like. I bought some a few years ago with the idea of trying it and never did. One was a snake skin looking fabric, scaled and all. Pretty cool stuff but life got in the way of that experiment.

[iamskippy]

I dont fish eels and or skins, but would the principles behind it be some kind or scent ?
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[DZ]

You may wan't to try felt. I use it as a porkrind substitute very successfully. You can but it in sheets at any craft supply.

[PaulS]

I fished a Jr. and a BM mini needle with skins on them this past weekend. The action was unbelievable and really looked like a live eel.

No fish though

[chefchris401]

The best substitute I've found is sausage casing, you can get it at butcher shops and it's cheap, doesn't last as long but it works
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[cow tamer]

Originally Posted by chefchris401

The best substitute I've found is sausage casing, you can get it at butcher shops and it's cheap, doesn't last as long but it works
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Now that's an idea !! Do you use it as is or color it ? Does the fact that it doesn't smell fishy effect its performance ?

[RIROCKHOUND]

Originally Posted by cow tamer

Now that's an idea !! Do you use it as is or color it ? Does the fact that it doesn't smell fishy effect its performance ?

Inner tube from bikes, particularly road bikes (narrower tires)... works great on jigs; not as flexible as a skin, but little drag, and gets down in current.

I haven't tried it, but would look good on a needlefish...

[Liv2Fish]

Amish Condoms...

[Big Dave]

These were given to me about 15 or so years ago by a guy at the canal club named Leo Narris. He passed a yr or so ago. He used to use them at the canal. He said they worked as well as any other skin he's used. He made the rigs himself as well. I fished one a few times without success. But like a broom stick plug, at times they work.

[Green Light]

You guys rock!

Thank you for the tips.

The gears in my mind are turning! ;-)

I'll keep you posted.

Tight lines (and screaming reels!)

[Linesider82]

Big Dave are those cloth icing piping bags?
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[Big Dave]

Nope, there hand cut triangles of blue cloth hand stitched to form a tube, then tied on the rig. Pretty novel idea. At times Leo used to soak them in bunker oil. They do swim and fill with water.