[614512]

Hi guys,

I'd like to try live eels for bass. Just outside FI inlet or in GSB. Drifting is prefered? Also, around now, is bottom best(3 way or fish-finder?) or should I keep them up. What lengths of leader , on average, do you use on your rigs? I need so details to get me started.

Finally, circle hooks are fine right?

...mocean

 

[615342]

mocean,
here you go.

Try fish finder rigs and try 3 way's, I have found that in a slow drift the eel tangles more easily with a 3 way. Fish finders are nice just remember to let out some line.


Easiest method is through both lips like you would a minnow. Another popular method is to place the hook in the mouth and come out an eye socket forward of the eye. You will need something to grab the slimy Eels with. A dry towel works the best. Newspapers and papertowels will also work. Calming the Eels down with ice is recommemded, but there is a happy medium between slow/cold, and frozen to death.
What is a good hook to use? I am not sure how it came about, but there are a few common type hooks to use and the size is in a 4/0 or 5/0. Mustad 92553BL, and Gamakatsu 02414 and 02415 have become the standard. The hooks are black, short shank and off-set. Four foot leaders of 30 pound test do the job just fine. A few anglers like longer leaders, about six feet in length. This length makes it very difficult for one angler to be able to net his own fish.
How heavy of a weight should you use? That answer depends on your drifting speed and water depth. Most of the time, the 1 ounce bead trolling weight/inline trolling sinkers do the job. Upgrade to heavier weights when the wind blows harder. The bead chain trolling weights are the most sucessful at preventing line twist when drifting Eels.

Jay

 

[615342]

mocean,

I forgot the circle hook thing, I personally dont like them. Seems a though everyone else loves them though. I just may have to get used to them. Everytime I have tried them I average down, seem to gut hook (waiting to long) or miss the fish (setting to quickly). I know it takes some getting used to, Just not my cup of tea.

 

[614512]

~~~~~

Thanks Jay,

The line twisting was one of my biggest concerns. I thought I might put a weight directly to the 3 -way. Now, I think I'll go with the fishfinder. When you use the trolling weights, you just use them in-line right? I mean line to weight, straight to leader? (like trolling). I'll be fishing in a LOT of current at times, in the inlet and through rips, hoping to drift through the fast water and into protected pockets.

I'll try the circles first. If I can't hook, I'll switch to get the feel.

Thanks again,

...mocean

 

[617110]

mocean,

Jay gave you some great info to get started! I prefer 60lb test for my leader...especially if I am using live bunker. There is one spot close to the inlet that always holds bass. Since we are from the same town I'll fill you in. But you'll have to reach me at [email protected].

somoan

 

[615342]

Hey Brian can I e-mail too!

 

[617110]

Jay,

Check your mailbox!

 

[617110]

Jay,

Check your mailbox!

 

[craigkoproski]

are the eels working?

I had some luck with them in spring but since the bunker came around everytime I have fished with eels either a blue cuts them in half or nada. I was just wondering if you guys were having luck with them. One of the guys at my bait store said the reason is bass don't really like to eat the eels they take them in and kill them because they eat their fry has anyone else heard this? Thanks in advance for any responses.

 

[615342]

Craig

My understanding is similar to yours, The stripers feel the eel's are a threat. This is why they hit them so agressivley. I have had better luck in late summer/early fall w/ eels. Spring/early summer w/clam. mid summer...hmmm.....good luck. For me its popper/plug time into the fall...

 

[wader]

They eat them because they like them & they can.

 

[186logic]

I have heard the same from many folks...that the bass just crush the eels head to protect their young. They are giving the fish too much credit. I have watched stripers in a tank get fed various things including eels. They LOVE them...pursuing them with more ferocity than anything else I saw. The funny thing is they have a very difficult time gulping them down as the eel slips out the stripers gills before they can get them in thier gullet. Many times another bass would grab the head as it worked it's way out one fishes gill plate and rip it out only to have the process repeated. Eventually, in this tank environment the eel would tire and go down, but I bet many escape this way in the wild.

 

[wader]

They more then likely crush the eels head because that's the first thing that gets into their mouth. Bass swallow all prey head first as they have no teeth.