Rigged eel storage

[steve]

Don't freeze them with Kosher salt. It will make them tough and stiff and they will loose most of there great action. I keep them in a zip lock bag individually and keep the in the frig for the first couple of three trips if they are close together. If there is alot of time between surf trips I put them in the freezer. They don't last as long but they always have good action this way.

[NIB]

If I am going to store em for any lenght of time.I put a few in a zip lock.Cover with water then freeze em.45 mins in a pain of water to thaw out...During the season I just have a jar of brine I keep em in.A few cast's ususally limbers em up pretty good.It is best to always try to start with a few fresh ones.I have caught fish on rigged eels had to be three yrs old..

[steve]

NIB- Do you use Kosher salt for your jar of brine solution? That sounds like a good way to store them. I'll give it a try.

[JFigliuolo]

I'm pretty sure that's how Al Bentsen stores his.

[NIB]

Originally Posted by steve

NIB- Do you use Kosher salt for your jar of brine solution? That sounds like a good way to store them. I'll give it a try.

Yes, Keep adding salt till it starts to settle on the bottom.Then I usually add some more.I have a 5 gallon pail of salt..Shake it up good.You could also boil water and add salt.You get a more potent solution that way.It ends up on the bottom after time anyways.If you make sure any metal is in the solution (not protruding out of the water) the hooks won't rust.I use a bent coat hanger to dig em out.The salt messes with my hands..??
I have different jars for rigged,Jigs and whole dead that I just save for use at another time.
I use bigger Pretzel jars for large plugs.
When I go to fish em I will roll em up in a damp rag put em in a cooler with a few ice cubes.When I hit the water they go in my bag.One time I used a piece of red sweatshirt for the rag.The red die bled into the eels...
U learn something every day...

[steve]

You do. Thanks for the tips NIB!, you have been most helpful.

[JFigliuolo]

NIB,

Do you keep the brine in the fridge? I'd THINK with all that salt it wouldn't be necessary.

[Charlie M]

I wrap them in a towel. Get the towel damp and freeze them in a ziplock.

[Back Beach]

Originally Posted by NIB

Yes, Keep adding salt till it starts to settle on the bottom.Then I usually add some more.I have a 5 gallon pail of salt..Shake it up good.You could also boil water and add salt.You get a more potent solution that way.It ends up on the bottom after time anyways.

Do you cook your pasta in the same solution too?

[Clogston29]

while we're on the riggie subject, how do you guys carry them?

just throw them in a plug bag or carry a small cooler?

thanks.

[DZ]

Originally Posted by Back Beach

Do you cook your pasta in the same solution too?

Back,
You've never had Anguilla Angnolotti?
DZ

[NIB]

Originally Posted by Back Beach

Do you cook your pasta in the same solution too?

Just a pinch of salt with a little olive oil..
I actaully like eels..They have a great flavor and texture..
Nothing special just whipe the slime off em gut em an bake.Maybe a little crushed tomato ant a few basil leaves..
NIB is a man of the sea..