Eels- how do you like 'em?

[tlapinski]

For me it really depends on the spot I am fishing on a given tide. Some places you need a big, lively eel to dig in the current and make it to the bottom. Fish a dead eel there and it will do little more than spin in the current and ineffectively hang in the land of bluefish. Other spots a lively eel will do little more than bury itself in the rocks and cause headaches; this is where dead or nearly dead eels reign supreme. Further, my preference changes at the same spot as the tide builds, peaks and slows back down. To say one way works best across the board to me says you either fish one type of shoreline structure all the time or you are not taking full advantage of what your spots may offer.

[Finaddict]

Yeah ... have to agree with Toby ... while there's no question that he fishes with them more than I do, I have found times when fish were size specific on eels ... incidences such as when the bigger livelier eels were not producing, I switched to the remaining small shoe string eels in my bag, barely moving and barely had to crank my reel and the fish turned on ... not sure if they just wanted smaller eels or a pod of fish just showed up when I made the switch, but that particular evening the smaller eels made the difference ...

[eelskimmer]

Take it from the master, you're all right.
My handle says it all.

[FishermanTim]

I just had Unagi for the first time, so I like my eels cooked and served with rice and a side of kimchee!

[spence]

Originally Posted by FishermanTim

I just had Unagi for the first time, so I like my eels cooked and served with rice and a side of kimchee!

BBQ. Good stuff.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[Liv2Fish]

Riggies out fished live ones 3-0 last night. I'm really convinced that Rigged eels have a leg up on live eels in any moving water situation.

You can rig them specifically for deep or shallow, you control the depth by the retrieve. You control the action. You can speed up after a short hit or just let it sink. Don't have to worry about the whole circle hook/gut hook scenario. If they're still in good shape, toss them back in the freezer for the next trip.

Make them well enough and you can catch many fish on the same one.
Just don't let some ssahole in a boat run them over and spool you.