eels for stripers
 

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.

Re: eels for stripers
 

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.

Re: eels for stripers
 

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.

Re: eels for stripers
 

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

Re: eels for stripers
 

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!

Re: eels for stripers
 

Drift !!

Re: eels for stripers
 

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

Re: eels for stripers
 

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

Re: eels for stripers
 

Don’t waste your eels if bluefish are around

Re: eels for stripers
 

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.