tbw

Eel for Bait for Striped Bass

Live eels are a classic striped bass bait. Most come from tackle shops.

Updated . Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

East Coast saltwater tackle shops keep live eels in tanks. Stock runs from spring to late fall. Many shops sell live bait for pickup only.

Call ahead before a night trip. Popular sizes can sell out on busy weekends.

Professional insight

Striper guides pick eels by length and liveliness. A slow, pale eel in the tank swims poorly on the hook.

  • Ten to fourteen inch eels cast and swim best.
  • Ask for eels that wiggle hard when lifted.
  • Carry eight to ten eels for a full night.
  • Bring a coarse rag to grip slimy eels.

Check the label

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Eel for bait rules

Atlantic states follow ASMFC rules for American eel. The usual limit is 25 eels per angler daily. Each eel must be at least 9 inches.

Storage

  • Use a 5 gallon bucket with a tight lid.
  • Set the bucket in a cooler with ice around it.
  • Never put ice straight on the eels; meltwater can drown them.
  • A frozen water jug keeps the bucket cool without flooding.
  • Aerated bait carts hold eels for longer trips.

How to use it

  1. 1Tie a 6 foot leader to a swivel on the main line.
  2. 2Use a 7/0 or 8/0 hook for large eels.
  3. 3Hook the eel up through the chin and out an eye.
  4. 4Cast gently and retrieve slowly near structure.
  5. 5Pre tie spare leaders so rerigging is fast at night.

Types

Live eels

Most natural action. Needs a cool bucket and a shop nearby.

Soft plastic eels

Ships anywhere and lasts for seasons. Needs steady retrieve to work.

Rigged eel lures

Plastic body with a built in hook. Good for casting from the surf.

Common questions

Can I buy live eels online?
Few sellers ship live bait. Most shops sell eels for pickup.
What hook works best with live eels?
Circle hooks cut down on gut hooked fish. Some surf anglers prefer J hooks.
Can I reuse an eel?
Yes, if it still swims well. Rehook it through the other eye.