eels for stripers

[jasm1n8]

Hi,

I am new to striper fishing with eels. I used both live eels and gulp over the weekend. the live eels are so big ( over 16") and they just got bitten off. I didn't catch anything wasted 4 live eels .

Should I use smaller live eels?

I used 10" gulp, they are also bitten off. I did hook up 2 blues.

thanks in advance for any tips.

[Duffman]

What do you mean by “bitten off” ?

Are you losing the entire eel on a hit or reeling in an eel bitten in half ?

If your reeling in a cigar, it’s the blues cutting you off. A bass will have no problem wolfing down a whole eel.

[jasm1n8]

What do you mean by “bitten off” ?

Are you losing the entire eel on a hit or reeling in an eel bitten in half ?

If your reeling in a cigar, it’s the blues cutting you off. A bass will have no problem wolfing down a whole eel.


I meant reeling in an eel bitten in half. I normally leave the rod in the rod holder and I guess I didn't act quick enough.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Yep Stripers have no teeth so you were likely bitten off by a Bluefish. Big eels are no problem for Stripers to inhale.

[jasm1n8]

There were 20+ boats around the Statue of Liberty today. most drifting eels. I didn't see anyone catch anything. Neither did I except a toad.

is it better to drift eels or anchor?

thanks for all your advice!

[tjd24]

Drift !!

[jmurr711]

if the eel is not dead but just tail bitten off leave it down that extra wriggling & distress is gonna call those striped catfish over. also this time of year the night bite tends to be much better

[Capt. Debbie]

Blue fish will trash eels biting off the tails. Nature of the business striper fishing this time of year.

As pointed out... if the eel is still moving leave it.

Definitely drift unless near structure like a bridge or the shadows of a lighted dock at night then anchor.

There's a trick with a teaser hook and rubber banding the teaser leader to the wiggling eel. Tedious to do. But will catch short strikers like blues. Or just bite the bullet and use another eel. Whether 18 inch eels or 12 inchers, if lip hooked the same thing will happen with the blue fish around.


As pointed out, the bucket mouth bass will inhale the whole eel. It's the only way they can catch it without have dentures put in. LOL

[NoLimit]

Don’t waste your eels if bluefish are around

[jasm1n8]

so far I haven't caught a striper with live eels.

Not sure if it's because my rig - I use 3-way swivels with one foot line tied to a 4 ounce sinker and another 5 feet line tied to the hook with eel. is this right?

thanks for your input.

[spc06]

What do you mean by “bitten off” ?

Are you losing the entire eel on a hit or reeling in an eel bitten in half ?

If your reeling in a cigar, it’s the blues cutting you off. A bass will have no problem wolfing down a whole eel.

On the money!

[tjd24]

You can make your sinker dropper a little longer.
Sometimes I go up to 2-3 feet.
Plus, I'll use 15-20lb line for the sinker. It'll pop if you get snagged and you'll save your eel.

[jasm1n8]

You can make your sinker dropper a little longer.
Sometimes I go up to 2-3 feet.
Plus, I'll use 15-20lb line for the sinker. It'll pop if you get snagged and you'll save your eel.

Good idea! I did lose two eels last time. will use lighter line for the sinker.
Thanks@

[tjd24]

There were 20+ boats around the Statue of Liberty today. most drifting eels. I didn't see anyone catch anything. Neither did I except a toad.

is it better to drift eels or anchor?

thanks for all your advice!

You don't have to fish with the fleet in the Harbor.
Grab a chart and look for some structure......lumps, bumps & edges.
I like outgoing there.

Found a very small lump a year ago or so just N of the Statue.
We were all alone and made 7 drifts with eels got us 7 bass from 25 to 38lbs.
All released.
I still hit it when I'm up that way.

[Finnegan]

I hate live eels. I buy frozen eels and rig them with a hook in the front and a hook in the back. I agree that you do not want to waste eels on blues but with a hook in the back you might catch the blue.

[jasm1n8]

Finally got my PB on eels.
The lighter line on sinker did save me a few eels. Thanks for the tips!