Thread or wrap for rigging eels

[cast away]

I've always sewn the rear hook in place and not wrapped thread or line completely around the eels body. Sewing through the eye of the rear hook prevents the hook from folding against the eels body. This ensures that you have most of the bend of the hook exposed for better penetration.
A curved needle and some heavy waxed thread such as dental floss or better yet rigging floss from Gudebrod. The waxed material holds the knots better. I take 4 stiches to hold the hook in place, and sew the rear hook in before I attach the dacron to the head hook.
Pat