Deal with Eel
The eel is one of the most mysterious water dwellers, giving birth to a host of stories and legends. Regrettably, the eel population has decreased over the last decade. This is due, in part, to insurmountable difficulties faced during its migration: dams, turbines in larger rivers, and a variety of other obstacles. However, a night chasing eel is always worth it.
Eels are predators, have an extraordinary sense of smell, and will eat almost anything placed before them. The importance of a well scented bait cannot be emphasized enough and should lead to increased catches. It is also suggested that your chosen fishing ground should be well pre-baited. Pole fishers often report that eel feed regularly from the same spot.
Eel can often be enticed to feed by using maggots; a successful bait for the predator angler. Feeders, filled with fish bits or squashed worms can also lead to increased catches. The top bait for eel was, and remains, the nightcrawler. It can however attract other fish species, who will gladly take the bait. Using fish bits, or small bait fish increases the possibility of hooking an eel or other predator.
There are a variety of methods for stalking eel. Some prefer float fishing; using a chemical light at night; others prefer legering. Whichever method you prefer, the eel should be allowed to take line freely. When fishing with large baits, it is of particular importance that you wait before striking. In order to avoid increasing the eel's natural apprehension, it is advised that you fish with an open bail arm or a very fine drag setting. Electronic bite indicators are great for eel and predator fishing as they still operate with an open bail arm. Use of a feeder can be especially effective in the evening and at night. Small worm bits will often lure the eel from its shelter.
A small chemical light fitted to the rod tip aids in bite indication. If you plan on angling throughout the night, it is suggested that you fit a second chemical light to a pole or earth spike. In low light conditions, it is possible that your eyes will play tricks, leading you to believe that you have a bite. Using the second light as a reference point means that you can be certain of movement at the rod tip. The 'good, old' rod bell is also an excellent form of bite indication; not easily dismissed.
Another, erstwhile method of angling for eel; successfully practiced by a few specialists; can lead to success when other methods fail. A sturdy line is attached to a staff; attached to this line is a woollen thread. Between 10 and 15 worms are threaded onto the wool, and this is then knotted into a bundle. The bundle is lowered into the water and gently moved over the bottom. This movement makes the worm give off a scent that seduces the eel. When the eel bites into the thread, the fine hairs snare in the eel's small teeth. It is then simply a matter of removing the bundle (gently). Experts usually have a large trough placed beside them and simply shake the eel free into the trough. It is a great method to use when fishing from a boat or a jetty.
We wish you a lot of success and tight lines!
Your Askari team
Product tips
- Rod: Silverman Starfisher Aal/Eel
- Reel: Kogha SFX
- Perca Eel Line
- Kogha Eel Traces
- Assorted Chemical Light Box