Mastering the Art of Using Live Eels to Catch Striped Bass

Using live eels to catch striped bass is one of the most effective and rewarding methods for targeting these powerful fish. Striped bass are known for their aggressive feeding habits and ability to fight hard, making them a popular target for anglers. Live eels, with their natural, erratic movement in the water, are an irresistible bait for striped bass, especially during key times of the year when these fish are actively feeding.

In this guide, we’ll explore the art of using live eels to catch striped bass. From preparing your live eels to perfecting your fishing techniques, these tips will help you improve your chances of landing a big striped bass using this time-tested bait.

Using Eels to Catch Striped Bass

Live eels are a prime bait choice for striped bass because they mimic the natural movement and appearance of a variety of the bass’s favorite prey, making them particularly effective for catching big fish. Eels are abundant in many saltwater and brackish environments, and striped bass are known to actively hunt them.

Eel Behavior and Striped Bass Attraction

• Natural Movement: Eels are known for their distinct, erratic movements, which can trigger a strike from striped bass. Their constant wriggling and swimming motions make them appear as vulnerable, easy prey for the bass.

• Feeding Habits of Striped Bass: Striped bass are opportunistic feeders, meaning they’ll target any available bait, and eels make an ideal food source. During the spring and fall, striped bass are more likely to seek out larger prey like eels, particularly when they are actively feeding before spawning.

Seasonality of Striped Bass and Eel Fishing

• Spring and Fall: These seasons are prime times for striped bass, as the fish are migrating and feeding heavily. Fishing live eels during these periods can be especially effective. During these periods, live eels can be especially effective when striped bass are closer to shore in search of food.

• Night Fishing: Striped bass are known to be more active at night, especially under low-light conditions. This is the prime time to target big stripers. Eels tend to swim and move erratically during these hours, making them even more attractive to hungry bass.

Preparing and Handling Live Eels

Before you even hit the water, preparing and handling your live eels properly is crucial for success. Eels are delicate creatures, and how you store and present them can greatly affect your fishing outcome.

Selecting Healthy Live Eels

• Quality of Eels: Choose fresh, healthy eels that are active and lively. Avoid eels that appear sluggish, weak, or damaged, as these will not present well to striped bass.

• Size of Eels: Select eels that are appropriate for the size of the striped bass you are targeting. For larger striped bass, use larger eels (10-12 inches). Smaller striped bass may be more attracted to smaller eels (6-8 inches), but large eels are generally preferred for trophy-size fish.

Storing Live Eels

• Water Temperature: Keep your live eels in a cool, well-oxygenated bait tank with seawater. If you don’t have a tank, use a Flop Box from Flop Industries to ensure they stay lively. Eels are sensitive to water temperature, so keep the water temperature in the low 60s°F to ensure they stay active and healthy.

• Handling Eels: Handle eels gently and avoid overexposing them to air. Excessive handling or exposure to dry conditions can stress the eel and make it less effective as bait. Keep them moist at all times to preserve their energy and natural movements.

Rigging Live Eels for Striped Bass

There are several ways to rig live eels for striped bass, each designed to present the bait naturally and increase your chances of a successful hookup. A properly rigged eel can make all the difference in attracting trophy bass.

• Through the Nose Rigging: One of the most common methods for rigging live eels is to hook them through the nose. This allows the eel to swim naturally and ensures it stays lively throughout the presentation. Insert the hook through the eel’s nostrils, ensuring it stays secure without impeding the eel’s movement.

• Through the Back Rigging: For a more passive presentation, hook the eel just behind the head, allowing it to swim more naturally without excessive jerking. This rig is effective when you want to let the eel drift naturally with the current.

• Circle Hook Setup: Using circle hooks is a good option when fishing with live eels. The hook is designed to hook the fish in the corner of the mouth, reducing the chances of gut-hooking and ensuring easier catch-and-release practices.

Choosing the Right Gear for Eel Fishing

When fishing with live eels, it’s essential to use the proper gear to handle these live baits and the aggressive striped bass that may bite. The right rod, reel, and line will give you the strength and sensitivity needed to land large striped bass successfully. Planer boards can be particularly useful for positioning your bait further from the boat and increasing your catch rates.

Fishing Rod and Reel

• Rod: A medium-heavy to heavy-action rod that is between 7-9 feet in length is ideal for striped bass fishing with live eels. The rod should have enough backbone to handle large fish but still offer sensitivity to detect bites.

• Reel: A spinning reel or conventional reel with a smooth drag system is essential for striped bass fishing. Choose a reel with enough line capacity to handle long, powerful runs. A reel in the 4000-6000 size range is ideal for this type of fishing.

• Line: Use 20-30 lb test braided line for its strength, sensitivity, and ability to cast long distances. Pair this with a 40-50 lb test fluorocarbon leader to reduce visibility and prevent abrasion when fishing near rocks or other structure.

Hooks

• Hook Size: Use circle hooks in the 4/0 to 6/0 range for live eels. Circle hooks are effective for live bait fishing, as they tend to hook the fish in the corner of the mouth, reducing deep-hooking and making the catch-and-release process smoother.

• Hooking Technique: Hook the eel through the nose or back, depending on your preferred rigging method. Ensure the hook is securely positioned but not impeding the natural movement of the eel.

Fishing Techniques for Striped Bass Using Live Eels

Now that you have the right gear and have prepared your live eels, it’s time to focus on the fishing techniques that will help you target striped bass effectively.

1. Fishing from the Shore or Jetty

Shore and jetty fishing are common methods when using live eels to catch striped bass. The key is to cast your bait near the areas where striped bass are feeding.

• How to Do It: Cast your live eel near submerged rocks, sandbars, or structure where striped bass are likely to be hunting. Let the eel drift naturally in the current or retrieve it slowly to mimic the movement of a live fish.

• Tip for Anglers: Fish during the evening or early morning when striped bass are most active. Also, focus on areas where the water depth changes or where the current brings food into the feeding zone.

2. Trolling with Live Eels

Trolling is an effective method for covering a larger area and finding striped bass, especially when fishing from a boat. The key is to keep the eel at the right depth while allowing it to swim naturally.

• How to Do It: Rig your live eel on a trolling setup and let the boat slowly drift with the current or move at a slow trolling speed. Use a planer board or downrigger to get the eel to the right depth, especially if striped bass are deeper in the water column. Many anglers prefer to fish live eels in this manner to effectively mimic natural prey and attract striped bass.

• Tip for Anglers: Use a drift or slow-trolling method to keep the eel’s natural movements intact, ensuring it remains appealing to striped bass.

3. Casting into Current and Structure

When casting live eels, focus on areas where striped bass are likely to be holding, such as near current breaks, structures, or drop-offs.

• How to Do It: Cast your live eel upstream or into the current near submerged rocks, jetties, or drop-offs where striped bass tend to ambush prey. Fishing eels in these areas can be particularly effective in attracting trophy-sized bass. Allow the eel to drift naturally with the current, or use a slight twitching motion to simulate struggling bait.

• Tip for Anglers: Keep your line tight and be ready to set the hook when you feel a bite. Striped bass often take the bait quickly, so swift hooksets are key.

4. Night Fishing

Striped bass are known for their nocturnal feeding habits, making night fishing an ideal time to use live eels for catching them.

• How to Do It: Fish around structures or points where striped bass are likely to be feeding at night. Use lights to attract baitfish and create a feeding zone where the bass are likely to congregate. Present your live eel naturally, allowing it to drift or swim in the current. This is an excellent time to target a large striper, as they are more active and aggressive in their feeding.

• Tip for Anglers: Fish near shorelines, drop-offs, or along the edges of channels where striped bass may be hunting at night.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of using live eels to catch striped bass is a rewarding pursuit for anglers. Eels are an ideal bait choice due to their natural movement and the striped bass’s preference for them as food. By selecting the right gear, preparing your live eels properly, and using the right techniques, you’ll significantly increase your chances of landing a striped bass. Whether you’re fishing from shore, a boat, or at night, these tips will help you hone your skills and catch more striped bass with live eels.

FAQs

What’s the best time to fish for striped bass with live eels?

The best time is during the evening, early morning, or at night, as striped bass are more active in low-light conditions. Spring and fall are also prime seasons for striped bass fishing.

How should I hook a live eel for striped bass?

You can hook a live eel through the nose for a more natural presentation or through the back for a slightly slower movement. Circle hooks in the 4/0 to 6/0 range are ideal.

What’s the best way to store live eels?

Store live eels in a well-oxygenated bait tank with cool, aerated seawater to keep them lively and healthy. Avoid handling them excessively, as they are sensitive creatures.

Can I use live eels for striped bass fishing year-round?

Yes, striped bass are active year-round, although the best fishing times tend to be in spring and fall when the fish are migrating and feeding heavily. Some anglers also find success using dead eel, especially in slack water conditions. Nighttime fishing during warmer months is especially effective. Additionally, experimenting with other baits like cut fish or squid can sometimes yield better results depending on the conditions.

What type of rod and reel should I use for fishing with live eels?

A 7-9 foot medium-heavy to heavy-action rod paired with a spinning or conventional reel in the 4000-6000 size range is ideal for striped bass fishing with live eels. Use 20-30 lb braided line with a 40-50 lb fluorocarbon leader.