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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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 !!

[tjd24]

Originally Posted by 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!

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.

[spc06]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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