Rigged Eels

[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.