Eels- how do you like 'em?

[bobber]

so I've always been a lure guy..... in fact, I tell people I friggin hate bait. it stinks, is a PITA to take care of, take too long to catch, etc etc etc

but I've been convinced (recently) that eels aren't so bad (aside from being expensive at CaptMorgans in Madison.....)

but do you guys like them all lively and jumpy? or half-dead and easy to control?? my ol' bud Pete (RIP) used to beat them up a bit and fish them (with just a little curl in the tail). last night they worked either way-

just seeing whats the current wisdom on this (and since I'm so stoopid....)