SPECIMEN EEL FISHING
David John Lovell
copyright ©DAVID JOHN LOVELL
On many waters eels have learned that some carp baits are a food source, and both boily and pellet baits are very good eel catchers. When the carp have been a little quiet I have in the past changed one of my rods and targeted these amazing creatures. All safeties are removed when eel fishing, and a large pellet or boily is fished, on the hair, tight to the shank of the hook.
Now, these large eels have a great deal of stamina, they are very quick, and yes, wriggle like crazy. Before you net your eels tire them by keeping the head just out of the water, the eel will then tire itself by swimming hard just beneath the rod tip. Don't put too much pressure on, just keep the head above water. Watch the body of the eel, and once it slows in its snaking it is then tiring and you can then net it. It may have a little fight left in it but this is a good thing, we don't want to exhaust it, and a good firm grip with the mesh of the landing net will allow you to gently unhook it with the aid of forceps. Be patient, don't panic should the eel move around, and be careful not to cause damage to the eels teeth, these are quite sharp but are very delicate, and the eel do need them in order to grab and take small fish. Remember, the eel is there because it lives there and you are privileged to be there. Please use a unhooking mat to protect the creatures body and mucus, or slime, as people sometimes call it.
You may need to put the eel back down a number of times to get a good photograph, but again, be patient, the eels well being comes first. Once you have your trophy shot take the eel back to the water in the unhooking mat and release it. This is why we did not want to completely exhaust it, it needs to have some energy to swim back and recover.
Always show respect for eels, they are after all a cleanser of waters and will eat the rotting baits that are left by other species.
You may wonder why small eels are called 'boot lace' eels. This terminology has been passed down through the generations and here I will tell you why they are sometimes referred to in this manner!
Small eels have the ability to tie the body into a knot and exude the stomach, the aid of a twig or stump makes this process easier. I once had a small eel perform this task as it brought up my deep swallowed rig, complete with hook and stomach contents!
Eels are fascinating creatures but they are delicate so please treat them with care, and show respect for this often hated, but necessary creature.
Eels can be a real handful when camera shy!
