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The Ultimate Eel Fishing Guide – With Phil Spinks

This entry was posted on 8th September, 2022 by Anna Cooper

The Ultimate Eel Fishing Guide – With Phil Spinks

In this blog, Angling Direct’s very own Phil Spinks talks us through his tactics for eel fishing as well as his choice of fishing rig; the eel twig rig, baits, location and more!

Each summer, for at least a few nights, my attention turns to in pursuit of eels. Eels are one of the few species that still hold lots of mystery for anglers. Huge eels can be hidden in plain sight and caught from a wide variety of venues.

I like to think my eel fishing and approach to eels have advanced considerably in recent years. Firstly, I’ve stepped up my tackle to cope with the powerful fight of a big eel.

What Fishing Rod Do I Need For Eel Fishing?

My choice of rod is the Advanta MRP 10-foot 3lb test carp rods. I choose the 10-foot version as most of my eel fishing is margin fishing, often close to snags and overhanging trees. The 3lb test will keep the biggest of eels away from snags etc.

Best Fishing Reel for Eel Fishing

On these rods is the Shimano bait runner fishing reel, in the 6000-size. This is loaded with a very strong 15lb Korda carp line.

Eel Fishing Rigs

Eels are notorious for swallowing the bait. A deep hook eel is potentially a dead eel. In recent times, a clever rig called a twig rig has been developed by top eel angler; Barry McConnell.

What is a Twig Rig for Fishing?

The twig rig has a stiff section of ridged tubing positioned just above the hook. This tubing prevents the eel from taking the bait too deep. This fishing rig is perfect for fishing with small sections of dead fish, prawns or worms.

How To Tie The Twig Rig In 7 Easy Steps

Before listing the steps, below are the images required to make this rig:

Step 1: Trim off 30cm of wire, heat the wire with your lighter before cutting to avoid fraying

Step 2: Attach your hook using a crimp as shown, squeeze the crimp tightly with the crimping pliers to secure.

Step 3: Slide a 2cm piece of shrink tubing over the crimp and eye of the hook, then heat with your lighter to shrink.

Step 4: Position a 7cm length of stiff tubing between two line stops 1cm above the hook as shown.

Step 5: Attach your swivel to the end of the wire using the crimp and pliers.

Step 6: Attach the hook link to a simple run rig as shown.

Step 7: The twig rig is best fished with small fish baits, worms or prawns.

Top Fishing Baits For Eel

1. Small freshwater dead baits, preferably head or tail sections.

2. Lob worms

3. Prawns

4. Dead maggots (loose feed)

Where to Fish For Eel

As previously mentioned, most of my eel fishing is in the margins. Eels love snags and cover. Deeper margins have been the most productive. On large pits, I’ve found snaggy corners to be very good.

Eels are exceptional hunters too, and when they are on the feed, they will often be caught all over the lake. Feeding chopped worms and dead maggots will also increase your catch rate.

Eel Bite Indication

My bite indication while targeting eels is similar to when I’m fishing for zander or pike. Eels hate any resistance, so I use a drop-off indicator with an open bail arm. It's important to set the clips on your drops so they are extra sensitive. As soon as an eel picks up your bait the indicator must clip out.

Some nights several dropped takes can occur, I feel these are smaller eels and it is the downside of fishing a venue with eels of all sizes.

How Do You Handle An Eel?

Eels can be a nightmare when on the bank. I highly recommend a high-sided cradle-type mat to help contain lively eels. My choice is the Advanta CCX rehab cradle.

Smaller eels are livelier than bigger eels. Be gentle and patient when handling them. If you grip them tightly, you’re likely to harm them and make the struggle more. Eels are hardier than other fish when out of the water once placed on the wet unhooking mat if you cover the eel with a wet sling and leave it to settle down for a few minutes it will be easier to handle.

Ensure your hands are always wet to avoid removing too much of the eel's protective slime, gently running your fingers down the eel's body will often calm it down enough to take a quick photograph.

Top 5 Eel Fishing Tips

Just to recap on some of this information Phil has provided in the guide, here are Phil’s Top 5 Tips for Eel Fishing in the UK.

1. Use the twig rig

2. Always use barbless hooks

3. Have a decent set of forceps for unhooking

4. Use a high-sided cradle

5. Keep the eels wet and treat them with respect

I hope this fishing guide and the Phil Spinks Specimen Fishing Eel video inspire you to try some eel fishing! A big eel is a very special creature, a species I hope to dedicate more time to in the next few fishing seasons.

Good luck to anyone eel fishing and please remember to LIP HOOK YOUR EELS.

Phil Spinks

Watch the Phil Spinks Eel Tips and Tricks Video over on ADTV, now! Also, read more about Eels in our Species Guide!

Want any of the tackle items Phil mentions in this blog? Check the products added below this blog and click to add them to your basket!

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