Sand Eels

What's the best way to hook up a sand eel? I used some frozedn ones for the first time this week, but lost quite a few on the cast, especially as they defrosted. I was hooking them through the eyes. Thanks.

[Saltheart]

There is a special lighter wire gauge hook people use for sand eels. Stop in at Mike T's (M+D bait and Tackle in Wareham) and he'll show you some. I only used fresh ones and usually put a couple on at once.

[capecodder]

I use sand eels quite a bit at Race Point and the Lower Cape. Part of your trouble is that frozen sand eels don't hold together well. Your best bet is fresh (as with any bait) and even what tackle shops sell may be a bit old (more than 2 days). I usually only use one per hook and hook it three times - first just under the gills, then back through twice. I use Octopus 6/0 and circle octopus (even bigger) without a problem.

The key is in freshness. When you buy them, they should be pretty firm not mushy.

Good luck

I use the fresh ones off Race Point. I use a high/low righ with 3-4 ozs of weight. I have found that sliding the hook down the mouth, through the body and out the body probably 1/2 way down is best. It seems to have the best holding ability yet. I use 4/0 baitholders. The "not so fresh" ones get the 3 pierce method just as Capecodder says.

Good Luck!

Bob