[SurfDevil]

Hello,

Was wondering what would be a good rod for eeling the south shore bridges from the shoreline. Currently I have a loomis 8ft rod rated for 1/4 to 1 1/2 and line of 10-25. Would this be a good rod for this or is there a better set up. I also own a 11ft pole. Thanks for any info.

 

[Crazy-Al]

Hello SurfDevil,

Make no mistake, eeling along the south shore bridges is a big fish tactic!

First of all, you must have a stout rod to turn the fish from heavy structures and bridge pilings (common occurrence)! Your current outfit is slightly on the "light" side and it would be a very challenging task when the dream cow decides to take your offering.

In that department, I have two sticks and it's a 10' conventional outfit loaded with 50 lbs. test (10' of 60 lbs. test leader) rated for 12 oz. Sinker…. And the other is loaded with 60 lbs. test (10' of 80 lbs. shock leader) rated to 16 oz. Sinker. Although this may be a bit on the heavy side, it gives me the leverage and power to pull her out of her domain.

My advise to you is to use the heaviest conventional outfit you feel comfortable with and make sure that your drag is set accordingly. Once she is hooked, turn the fish head as soon as possible (away from pilings) and keep a constant pressure to tire her out fast!

Hope this helps.

I know there are a few bridge cow hunters out there…. Care to comment on this post?

"Crazy" Alberto
[email protected]

 

[SurfDevil]

Crazy,

Thanks for the info. Sounds like I need some stout gear. Maybe I can give the 11ft pole a shot it is rated up to 3 oz and line rating of 10-30. It has a good backbone to it and should be able to move a big fish. Do you fish your eels with weights or do you let them swim freely. I was planing on leting them swim freely, thats why I was thinking a maybe able to use what I have.

 

[Crazy-Al]

SurfDevil posted:
...Do you fish your eels with weights or do you let them swim freely...
_____________________

SurfDevil,

Great question! It all depends on the tide and depth that I fish.

If I am fishing a "deep hole" with some moving water… I usually will use a three way swivel with a sinker.

During "slack" phases (deep water) I sometimes use an egg sinker to work as close to the bottom as possible.

If the area is "shallow" (less than 10') I will let my eel swim freely.

"Crazy" Alberto
[email protected]

 

[wader]

I LET MY EEL SWIM FREELY

Hey Crazy - is your wife aware of that??

 

[Crazy-Al]

Hey Wader,

Errr.... How do you fish your eel?

"Crazy" Alberto

 

[wader]

Mostly in private & with my wife's permission.........