hunting
Why fishing for Big Eels is a sport in itself
By: D Bradleytop
Finding Eels
Although fishing for Big Eels can be a great pastime finding them can be a problem. Big Eels are seldom caught even though they are present in most waters and you will still find places where they are not even known. Of the 50 biggest Eels caught in the UK only 7 came from rivers 2 from Canals and the rest were caught from stillwaters including the British Record a massive snake of 11lb 2oz. This was caught in 1978 by S. Terry from a stillwater called Kingfisher Lake close to Ringwood in Hampshire.
Preparing your attack
Big Eels are caught in the summer months of June to September and best fished for in the last hour before Dusk up to about midnight or again in the early morning hours just before Dawn until the sun rises above the Horizon. There are times though when you can catch big Eels during the day especially when out deadbait fishing for Pike one such fish was caught by D. Boyer in late November 1988 from the Broadlands lake in Hampshire a beauty of 8lbs 1oz.
Finding Eels in the water
Conditions for fishing for Eels are widespread infact the prevailing weather in the UK and Ireland especially Ireland which is often said you can have the 4 seasons in one day is perfect but generally speaking the water temperature should be between 10 18 degrees Centigrade no more no less. It has been observed over the years that when the sky is clouded over and low visibality in the water Eels will always feed on the bottom using their powerful sense of smell to forage for food but when the sky is clear more so when the moon is full and bright Eels can be caught midwater and near the surface where they frequent the shallow water hunting fry shilouetted against the light of the moon.
Eels Defences
Eels are emenssely strong creatures the bigger they are the more powerful they will be the slightest weakness in your tackle will always without doubt cause you to lose your prize catch. Prepare your tackle wisely when attempting to catch these fish and dont underestimate what even a 1lb fish can achieve in getting free.
Rods should be capable of the job and a good carp or pike rod would be suitable but if fishing at a distance then a fasttaper tip action rod for a firm hook setting on the strike at range should be the first choice. If fishing the margins then choose a rod with a much softer more throughaction which will cushion the fast pull of a big Eel at close range whatever the action of the rod do your best to use a rod of between 1112ft long
Reels are widely available in a whole range of models sizes and types there is a vast choice of suitable reels available in any tackle shop but when choosing a reel pick a nice sturdy fixed spool reel with a rear drag system this will prevent you having to fumble with the spool to adjust the settings when you are playing a fish as you can do so without having to fumble about at the front of the reel. Another good thing to have on your reel is the ability to put the spool into freespool so that a biting Eel can run with the bait in its mouth without feeling any resistance while the bail arm is still closed. Whatever reel you choose it should be capable of holding at least 200m of 1012lb line.
Line Choose a top quality line taking care that it is a nice supple brand an do change it at least once in a season as in most cases the waters you are fishing will have plenty of snags or gravel bars which will fray and weaken the line.
Traces Wire traces are essential when using deadbait for Eels as you will always encounter a pike on the prowl. In saying that it is always a good idea to use traces as an Eels mouth contains many small sharp teeth which rasp and weaken the line which will quickly wear through even a thick line.
Hooks & Bait The most successful baits for Eels are Lobworms Brandlings and sections of dead fish but it is essential that you choose the correct hooksize for the bait chsoen best hooks are forged eyed hooks in sizes ranging from 2 10
Into Action A big Eel
is a weary creature and will drop your bait with the slightest hint of resistance hence a reel with a free spool will allow the bait run freely when picked up.
Bite Detection Have your reel on free spool or if this is not a feature of your reel just leave the bail arm open and use a monket climber and an electric bite
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