tip for holding eels for unhooking

[pingu]

meant to post this last week, but after being plagued by these blighters week before got told this tip

keep a sheet of newspaper with you, you can hold them with this really easily as takes off some of slime.they semed to go back fine as well.

I managed to get them quick enough towards end of week (whilst still hanging from line) that i didnt loose the rig to slime either

[Norfolkboy]

Oooh no.

That slime is what protects them and when it all goes on the newspaper it does harm them although it appears not too...what I've been told anyway.

Best thing to do is stroke their belly (no joke)

[Ben]

you could always give them the news paper as well
bill has the art of unhooking eels down to a fine art, he holds it in my direction and says "hold this a second ben" "alright then!"
he always seems to come out with very slime free hands

[Fishing Forum Admin]

Depends on the size

For the little ones from the freshwater then very quickly grab the line right next to the hook to prevent them curling up the line

If a bit bigger I always had a channel cut into the bank and as soon as landed in they go and they seem to settle

Eels are wonderful fish so its better to use newspaper than as seen many time " cutting there heads off "

One thing that was always said to me is once you have eel slim on your line then change it as all you will get is more eels

Not sure if old wifes tail but I always do this - maybe I should get out more

[Norfolkboy]

Originally Posted by Fishing Forum Admin

One thing that was always said to me is once you have eel slim on your line then change it as all you will get is more eels

Have been told this too when sea fishing. Although I'm sure I remember after catching 1, I caught a whiting after

[Fishing Forum Admin]

Ahhh sea and freshwater are a different thing


mmmm must stop drinking

[pingu]

cheers for extra advise guys
only passing on what was told, worked for me that week, will try the stroking and line meathod next time plagued by them
also the changing rigs, although did get bream after eel so is it true........??????????????

[Pross]

I was told they wriggle less on their backs which I tried on my second one and seemed to help. Also, caught a tench on the same rig after 2 eels

[gullyworm]

As soon as they come out the water start singing to them,something soft and gentle ,a nice love song or a lullaby.
This works every time they go into a sort of trance and you can unhook them easily.
Dont forget to wake them up before you return them though.

[Ben]

you will have to give me a demo next time john