How to Catch an Eel

There are many species of eel across the globe. Eels can vary in color to adapt to the bottom of the water they inhabit, yet are mostly brownish yellow in color. Catching eels can be a tricky hobby as they are predators that are rarely seen swimming, and their mating habits are almost unknown. If you want to give it a shot, use these tips to catch an eel.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Fishing tackle
• Bait

1. Get together a good assortment of fishing tackle. Catching eels requires about the same equipment as carp fishing. A good solid rod-and-reel system with a medium-strength line will suffice.
2. Use a swivel attached to the line. A swivel will allow easy movement through the water once the eel has been hooked. Tie on a lead as well to prevent snags if the eel heads for the weeds or sunken trees.
3. Give enough slack on the line. Eels will drop the bait if they feel resistance of any strength. Let the reel spool stay open.
4. Fishing in the darkness or on moonlit nights offers a better chance of hooking eels.
5. Provide dead bait to the eel. Eels are scavengers and predators. Eels prefer dead bait, yet will occasionally strike a small live bait fish. Place the hook through the toughest and strongest portion of the bait, or the eel will simply make off with a free meal.

Tips & Warnings

• Once hooked, bring the eel into a net, remove from the water and allow it to calm down before removing from the net. The older an eel is, the more docile it will become.
• Use simple worms on a hook to attract eels. This bait is a favorite of eels and can be dug up in most soils.
• Use caution when handling eels as most species have very sharp teeth.