Eeling reel

[Brian L]

I've never understood the slow retrieve reel for eels thing. I understand the concept, but always wondered why I wouldn't just turn the handle slower on a faster reel.

Over 20 years, for Spinning I've used Stradic 6000/8000, Sustain 6000, Penn 550/650 SS, Penn 704, Saltiga 4500, Shimano Baitrunner 4500, Fin Nor Ahab 12 and 16's, and Daiwa BG 30 all with the same results. Never thought any gave me any particular advantages as far as actually fishing/reeling eels with it. Casting and fighting fish is a different story. Fast reel? Slow down your retrieve until you find a speed the fish bite at.

Ultimately, I've sought the lightest, toughest reel with the best drag I can afford. I also like 6:1 retrieve for pulling eels/lures quickly through unproductive water or over snags. (Or away from rampaging bluefish!) Currently using a Sustain 6000, but would really like a Saltiga 4500 (favorite that I've used so far) when I scratch up the dough for one.

Digging my Calcutta TE 400's, 400 BSV, and Trinidad TN 14's (On the boat) for conventionals.

[tlapinski]

Originally Posted by Brian L

I've never understood the slow retrieve reel for eels thing. I understand the concept, but always wondered why I wouldn't just turn the handle slower on a faster reel.

Exactly! What is easier, reeling faster when you need it or reeling slower when you need it? I have eeled with just about all of them and can not honestly say there is a best reel out there. For MANY years, I thought you were a googan if you ever threw an eel on anything other than conventional. Then I started wetsuiting a few years back and realized I had to open my mind if I was going to succeed. Since then, I have successfully used every size VS, a Saltiga, a ZeeBaas, throw in a conventional once in a while from a dry perch, and ultimatley have used my VS275 the most this season. Simply put, the best eeling reel out there is the reel you are most comfortable with in the given suituation you are fishing.

[Back Beach]

Originally Posted by Brian L

I've never understood the slow retrieve reel for eels thing.

If I had to fillet all the fish I've taken with eels on a very fast retrieve I'd have tennis elbow.
Most fish I take eeling are either while in free spool or dead sticking them on the bottom. Second to that would be on a fast retrieve.

[Brian L]

Originally Posted by Back Beach

If I had to fillet all the fish I've taken with eels on a very fast retrieve I'd have tennis elbow.
Most fish I take eeling are either while in free spool or dead sticking them on the bottom. Second to that would be on a fast retrieve.

I won't ever forget the "Buzzbait" retrieve out on the outer cape in the late 80's/early 90's!

KERSMASHHHH!

Same thing happened in Soco during June/July of 2001 when we had the big fog banks roll in and stay for weeks at a time. Flat calm water and large fish up on the surface sipping/finning. We were buzzing eels right over the surface in front of them and doing quite well!

I've caught fish on eels at every imaginable speed of retrieve, though slow and on the bottom usually is the best.

[pmbrac]

maybe ill try out the saltiga surf 5000. may be better than the vs 275 since the retrieve is slower