eels and manual pick-up

[Pete_G]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

As soon as I feel the "tap" i lower my rod tip, reel in the slack and set the hook. Very similar to using a rubber worm for largemouths.

Exactly how I do it as well. Even with non-circle hooks gut hookings are rare.

[Redsoxticket]

Lowering a 10' ft rod 90 degrees well give 15 ft of slack in the line.

[piemma]

It's always been "get a hit, drop the tip and count to 5 and then cross their eyes." It was sometimes called "bow to the cow".

[NIB]

http://www.striped-bass.com/Stripert...ad.php?t=33220

I remember reading this article.I do it the same way.If u saw me wit a eel u might think something is wierd.I hold the rod like a torch off my right elbow.Feel the hit drop the rod till I can just feel some presure then cross there eye's.I almost never miss this way.i think bass hit eels for several reasons.Food value i think is not always a primary reason.U ever try to grab a eel they are tough to hold on to. I think if u wait to long the eel can escape. U feel the hit the bass has engulfed it.U only need to wait a few seconds to set up.It's not a herring or a bunker.I have cleaned thousands of bass an I have only had eels in the fishes stomach once. 2 in one bass an one was a cigar..I think they where fished eels.