Question for #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&, aka Eeltime

[eelman]

Mustad-94150 6/0 live bait hook ( I like the short shank and they are super strong, use a file and they are as sharp as any gama's. Plus they are inexpensive. I hook my eels in the mouth and out thru the bottom the short shank is perfect for that.

Rubber core sinkers in a current.

20 lb test big game clear

50lb test big game leader, no swivels just tied direct to the main line with a bloodknot ( I dont worry about line twist because I use only conventional gear.

Reels, abu 7000 in breachways, calcutta 400 for all the other places also penn 965 once in a while

My favorite rods are , in breachways or heavy currents, jigging Sabre 1089 blank for all other spots beaches etc... Sabre 1088 or 1087 both rods well, all my rods are 9 footers and all custom, no store baught. Love the sabre blanks, nothing but good things to say about them

Note :last night:someplace in narragansett I had my first "decent fish" of the season..5 bass between 15 and 20lbs on...you guessed it eels! Its time!
I will be back tonight!

[MAC]

When is the best time to use eels? Which stages of tide, time of the year? Does color matter? Do they have to be alive? Can I fish them dead? Do they only work at night? How do I keep them from knotting up? Where can I buy them cheaper than 1.50 each? Can I freeze the dead ones and skin them? What should I use if I can't get them if a moratorium is placecd on them? Inquiring minds also want to know

[ProfessorM]

Dave I can try to answer a few of those. The cheapest place I have found them is Tom's in Middleboro. If you have a commercial license you can buy them by the pound. Years past it was a dozen for 10 bucks. Who knows this year. As far as knotting up get them in the water as soon as you stick them and and if they are cold, iced down, they are not as lively till they hit the water. I don't belive in smashing them up against a rock to cripple them. I want them as lively as possible. If you fish them on the bottom with weight, something I do not do, you can try hooking them in the tail. Definitely fish them during daylight hours. I troll them in my tin boat under the sun and do very well. A lot has to do with where you are fishing though. As far as dead goes they are killer that way too. Had a bluefish rip one to shreads when I reeled it back in rear half hanging on by a thread next cast 49 lbs., from shore too. I luv eels. Paul

[Notaro]

how do i keep an eel from ripping itself off the hook? can u draw a picture to show where u hook a eel?

[SBASS1]

How do you stop fish at Watch Hill from wrapping you around the rocks? Enquiring minds want to know...

[JohnR]

I think Mac was beeing a little tounge in cheek in his questions

Notaro, if you are ripping the hooks out, hook a little deeper if going down the throat and don't try to snap the rod so fast, use a smoother longer throw. This is even more important when you have a very stiff fishing rod....

[Mike P]

Originally Posted by Notaro

how do i keep an eel from ripping itself off the hook?

3 other things you can try.

Hook them from the bottom of the jaw up thru an eye socket.

Use a rod with a softer tip

Use mono instead of braid. You don't exactly need sensitivity to tell when a bass is taking your eel

[Notaro]

okay, thanks, mike. what abt the "gullet"? also what is it?

[ProfessorM]

I kind of thought Dave was pulling our leg. Was hesitant to answer but thought what the hell. Paul

[Bassman18]

Originally Posted by Notaro

okay, thanks, mike. what abt the "gullet"? also what is it?

the throat. I guess another trick you can try making "fasteners" out of plastic strips, like milk cartons, etc... Just clip off a strip long and wide enough and stick one half of the bottom on the hook, then put the eel on then close it off by sticking on the top half on the hook. It's a trick I learned live bait fishing for largemouths. It's a good remedy for eels flying off the hook, but not if they're being ripped off, like others have said cast softer and they won't rip off. Here's a drawing of the fastener thing...

[kayaman]

Originally Posted by Professor Moriarty

As far as knotting up get them in the water as soon as you stick them and and if they are cold, iced down, they are not as lively till they hit the water. I don't belive in smashing them up against a rock to cripple them. I want them as lively as possible. Definitely fish them during daylight hours. I troll them in my tin boat under the sun and do very well. A lot has to do with where you are fishing though. As far as dead goes they are killer that way too. Had a bluefish rip one to shreads when I reeled it back in rear half hanging on by a thread next cast 49 lbs., from shore too. I luv eels. Paul

eels are a NIGHT TIME experience... have used them in the daytime, but night is the best time..... I agree with the "lively as possible" statement... can't undertand why you would want to smash it... swimming is best. you will have NO problem telling when a bass is at the eel.... just remember to wait after the initial pull for a short lull... when the next pull happens set the hook... the bass will take the eel and make a short run with it... stop... turn it then try another run.

[ProfessorM]

I agree nite time is best but don't overlook days either. I am talking from a boat though during the day time. Location is important. There are certain areas that will produce during the day. P.M.