Eel Retrieve variations

[Back Beach]

Originally Posted by bassballer

But the other night when slow reeling the eel, bumping it off the bottom, i wasnt getting any takes.

Lots of times your eel lands in the strike zone... once you begin retrieving it gets pulled out of the strike zone.
When you dead stick many times its landing and staying in the strike zone becuase you aren't pulling it away. Don't be afraid to use weight in shallow water, either. Lots of times your cast will just barely reach the fish(strike zone) and you want it to get to the bottom fast before the current or surf move it out of the strike zone.
When I used to fish sandy beaches alot I'd always put a 3/8-1/2 oz bullet sinker on the line just to make sure it touched the bottom asap once it landed. Fishing eels many nights you're just barely reaching the fish due to the fact eels don't cast that well....distance/range is an extremely important factor when eeling.

[JFigliuolo]

BB is dead on as far as casting distance. Many night's in the yak I'll pick up fish JUST out of casting range from shore. It's possible that you could hit the strike zone on the end of your cast...

[JohnR]

And when you do cast (once the eel has calmed down and won't quickly ball on you) let it sink before your retrieve. Then go slow.

Other times when it feels fishy but no bumps or light bumps, go to a faster retrieve. Also, sometimes be sure to keep your eel in the water all the way to the end on some casts as sometimes the hit will come at your feet.