Striper Magnets ... Fishing With Eels

by Brian Florek

My experience fishing with eels had been extremely limited to this point. The only knowledge I had obtained was through literature and conversing with fellow fishing partners. This being my first attempt at "slinging eels" I quickly cast off my first two baits from the hook. I was beginning to wonder why I took on this endeavor. With only two eels left in my bucket, I decided to hook the third eel through the side of the head as opposed to through the lower lip. I later discovered that the cartilage in this area was stronger allowing the bait to be more castable and longer lasting. I fished this same eel for about a half hour without incident. I decided to head a little way down tide at the beginning of the strewn boulders. On my very first cast, I felt a now all too familiar bump. Quickly I freed the bail allowing about a hundred and fifty feet of line to peel off my reel, wanting the fish to take the hook. I easily cranked the reel to allow the bail to close. My line tighten towards the fish. As soon as the line became stout, I hauled back and set the hook hard and deep. This action startled the fish. Upon realizing the predicament it was now in, the fish began to violently thrash in the surf. Not being able to shake the hook initially, the fish's instincts began taking over. It shot off like a runaway concrete truck, hard and long toward the bottom away from the beach. I had heard of such runs before, so I held onto my pole tightly allowing the fish to do as it pleased. After a bit of time the fish seemed to momentarily slow itself. I was able to turn the fish and began gaining some line back on the reel. The fish rode back a bit building strength for another long run, which I just helplessly waited out. This run was not as far or strong as the first, but still quite impressive. Once again the fish tired and I was able to return line to my reel. I had the fish about forty feet in front of me and mistakenly I flipped on my headlight. This seemed to awake the fish out of a trance and it quickly ran about 100 feet. I was able to hang on for its now third and final run. The fish now exhausted, I was able to really crank on it. Soon thereafter the beautiful lines of the striper became apparent in the wash. When the fish came close enough I was able to wrap my hand around the leader and land it. I had never been so excited fishing, alone with my trophy on the beach measuring 45" and weighing 38lbs. A life long story to share with fellow fishing partners and whomever else will listen. Tired, yet still a little amped, from the first fish, I decided to relax and reminisce on the beach awhile. Now rested and a little wiser, I hooked on my last eel. On my second cast to the rocks, I felt a huge smack as soon as the bait hit the water. Not exactly comprehending what had happened, the fish quickly detected the line and spit the eel. A little dejected I re-spooled my line and cast again. On the second crank of my reel I again felt a bump. I opened my bail and allowed the fish to run. Upon setting the hook, catching and releasing my now second eel fish, I had scored a 39" 25lb. fish. Fishing eels is now much easier and enjoyable. Take steps to learn the techniques and you too will catch more, larger stripers.