Alexei Volkov
Plastic eels are a popular choice for anglers looking to catch striped bass. They are versatile and can be used in various ways, such as threading them onto a jighead for fishing at the bottom or rigging them on a swimbait hook for shallow waters. When using plastic eels, it is essential to consider the depth you are casting into. They are most effective when fished between one and three feet off the bottom. Additionally, it is crucial not to overwork the bait; instead, allow the tapered tail of the eel to create a natural wobble in the current. Plastic eels are an effective alternative to live eels, which can be challenging to handle and keep on the hook.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fish species | Striped bass, rockfish, cobia, snook, tarpon |
| Eel type | Artificial, plastic, soft plastic, rubber |
| Eel length | 9-14 inches |
| Water depth | 15 feet or less, 1-3 feet off the bottom |
| Jighead weight | 1/2-ounce, 3/4-ounce to 1-ounce, 2 1/2-ounce |
| Hook size | 8/0, 9/0, 10/0, 12/0, 1/0, 3/0, 4/0, 6/0 |
| Nail weights | Lunker City |
| Rod length | 7-7 1/2 feet |
| Rod type | Daiwa TD Sol, St. Croix Mojo Inshore, Avid inshore series |
| Line weight | 40-pound braid, 50-pound fluorocarbon leader |
| Reel size | 5000-6000 |
| Bait storage | Foot-long Tupperware container, plastic pretzel barrel, bucket |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic eels are an effective bait for catching bass
- Use a light lead to avoid the plastic eel feeling unnatural to the fish
- Cast the eel and jig combo out and reel slowly, with occasional twitches, to fish deep structures
- Plastic eels are easier to use than live eels and are more durable
- Use nail weights to fish deeper and control the weight and balance of the plastic eel
Plastic eels are an effective bait for catching bass
When it comes to choosing a rod and reel for plastic eel fishing, a rod with a soft tip and good backbone is recommended. A longer rod, such as a 7- to 7-1/2-foot rod, allows for longer and more accurate casts. For the reel, a size in the 5000- to 6000-size range is suggested, and using a 40-pound braid with a 50-pound fluorocarbon leader is recommended. Nail weights can also be added to the plastic eel to help control the weight and balance, especially when fishing in deeper waters.
When fishing in strong currents, it is important to pair the plastic eel with the lightest lead possible to reach the fish. Heavier leads can feel unnatural to the fish and reduce the angler's ability to maintain contact with the plastic eel. Additionally, when using plastic eels, it is important to match the size and color of the eel to the natural forage of the bass in that area. This increases the chances of attracting and catching the bass.
Plastic eels, such as the popular GT Eels from Gravity Tackle, are effective baits for catching bass due to their versatility, ease of use, and ability to mimic the movement and appearance of real eels. With the right techniques and equipment, anglers can successfully use plastic eels to target bass in a variety of fishing conditions.
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Use a light lead to avoid the plastic eel feeling unnatural to the fish
When fishing with plastic eels, it's important to use a light lead to avoid the plastic eel feeling unnatural to the fish. Heavier leads can hang at the bottom, feeling unnatural to fish and making it easier for them to break free. They also reduce your ability to maintain the feel of the plastic and detect any bites.
When fishing in shallow water, a 1/2-ounce jighead is recommended to quickly get down into the strike zone. This is particularly important when fishing shoreline structure, as you don't want to spend too much time waiting for the bait to reach the desired depth. By using a lighter jighead, you can cast out and only need to pause for a second or two before beginning your retrieval.
When fishing in deeper waters, a slow-moving and slow-twitching soft-plastic eel can be effective. Using a lighter jighead in deeper waters can also be beneficial, as it allows your bait to present more naturally. A 2- to 3-ounce jighead can be used at this depth, and it's important to try to slow your drift to keep your bait in the strike zone for longer.
Additionally, when fishing in strong and deep currents, a three-way rig can be used, similar to when fishing with a live eel. You can rig the plastic eel on a 3/4- to 1-ounce jighead or thread it onto a circle hook. Having a range of weights available allows you to adapt to different depths and current strengths.
Overall, using a light lead with your plastic eel helps maintain a natural presentation and improves your chances of detecting bites, ultimately leading to more successful fishing trips.
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Cast the eel and jig combo out and reel slowly, with occasional twitches, to fish deep structures
Casting the eel and jig combo out and reeling it slowly is a great method for fishing deep structures or along the bottom of a river channel. This technique is particularly effective when targeting striped bass, which are known for their attraction to eel baits. When using a plastic eel, it's important to understand the depth you're casting into. In shallow water, a 1/2-ounce jighead with an 8/0 or 9/0 hook is recommended, allowing you to reach the strike zone quickly. However, when fishing in deeper waters, adding nail weights to your plastic eel can help you achieve the desired depth and balance.
When reeling in the eel and jig combo, a slow and steady retrieval is key. Avoid overworking the bait by adding subtle, occasional twitches. This twitching motion mimics the movement of a fleeing baitfish, attracting larger fish such as bass. The versatility of plastic eels allows you to fish in a variety of depths and handle different current strengths. Whether you're fishing in strong and deep currents or calmer waters, plastic eels can be rigged accordingly, making them a versatile and effective tool in your fishing arsenal.
While live eels have been traditionally used, plastic eels offer several advantages. They are easier to handle, faster to rig, and can be stored conveniently for multiple uses. Additionally, plastic eels can be scented, further enhancing their appeal to hungry fish. The GT Eels from Gravity Tackle, for example, are hand-poured baits with a fish-attracting scent that has proven irresistible to stripers.
When fishing with plastic eels, it's important to consider the weight and balance of your setup. The weight of the jighead or hook can be adjusted to suit the depth and current conditions. Additionally, the use of nail weights can provide finer control over the weight distribution, allowing you to reach greater depths effectively. Plastic eels also excel in shallow waters, where their tapered tails create enticing pulsating movements, especially with any rocking of the boat.
Plastic eels have revolutionized fishing, offering convenience, versatility, and effectiveness. By understanding the techniques and nuances of using plastic eels, anglers can confidently target a variety of fish species in different environments, increasing their chances of success on the water.
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Plastic eels are easier to use than live eels and are more durable
Plastic eels are a great alternative to live eels when fishing. They are easier to use, more durable, and can be just as effective at catching fish. When using live eels, there are many challenges to face. For one, they are wiggly, slimy, and messy. They require careful handling and storage, needing to be kept cool, moist, and happy. This means ice, containers, and a lot of preparation. Plastic eels, on the other hand, are much more straightforward. They are durable, so you don't need to worry about keeping them alive and healthy. This also means you can cast them further and with greater accuracy. With plastic eels, you don't need to worry about the mess and hassle of dealing with live eels, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.
Plastic eels are also versatile. They can be used with different weights and rigging techniques to fish at various depths and in different conditions. You can add nail weights to plastic eels to get a little deeper, giving you control over weight and balance. They can be used in shallow water, cast out and reeled in slowly with subtle twitches, or in deeper waters with a heavier jig head. Plastic eels are also effective when fished between one and three feet off the bottom. This versatility means you can target different fish species and adapt to the conditions you're fishing in.
Another advantage of plastic eels is their tapered tails, which are designed to wave and wobble in the current on their own. This means you don't have to overwork the bait, and a simple wrist twitch every few turns of the reel is enough to attract attention. The lighter colour on the bottom of the eel mimics a fleeing baitfish, flashing and rolling when twitched, which is irresistible to bass.
Plastic eels are also more convenient and faster to use. With live eels, you need to wrestle with them, get them onto a hook, and deal with deep-hooked fish. Plastic eels are always ready to go, and you don't need to worry about keeping them alive and healthy between casts. This means more time with your line in the water and less time preparing bait.
So, if you're looking for an effective, durable, and convenient alternative to live eels, plastic eels are a great option. They are easier to use, require less maintenance, and can be just as successful at catching fish.
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Use nail weights to fish deeper and control the weight and balance of the plastic eel
When fishing with plastic eels, you can use nail weights to fish deeper and control the weight and balance of the eel. Nail weights are small lead or tungsten spikes that can be inserted into a plastic eel to make it sink faster. They are particularly useful when fishing in deeper water, such as during the transition from late winter to spring, when bass may be found in deeper water.
To use nail weights, simply insert them into the plastic eel. You can add them anywhere along the eel to control the weight and balance. For example, you can place them in the head, mid-section, or tail of the eel to create different actions. If you want a faster fall over deeper water, use a heavier nail weight. Tungsten nail weights are more expensive but offer a heavy weight in a compact package without hindering the bait's performance.
When fishing with plastic eels and nail weights, it's important to note that you won't feel the bite or see your line jump. To check for bites, lift your rod, and if you feel weight, set the hook. Additionally, nail weights work best in clear water as it is the visual appeal that often triggers a bite.
By using nail weights with plastic eels, you can add versatility to your fishing setup and target fish in deeper waters more effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic eels are much easier to manage than live eels, which can be frustrating to work with. They are also more cost-effective as they can be used multiple times, unlike live eels. Plastic eels are also very effective at attracting fish, especially striped bass.
When fishing with plastic eels, it is recommended to use a rod with a backbone and a soft tip. The soft tip allows for longer and more accurate casts. Some recommended rods include the Daiwa TD Sol and the St. Croix Mojo Inshore 7-1/2-foot.
Plastic eels can be rigged in a variety of ways depending on the depth and current conditions. They can be threaded onto a jighead, rigged on a swimbait hook, or added to a three-way rig. It is important to match the weight of the jighead or hook to the depth and current speed.
When fishing with plastic eels, it is important to not overwork the bait. Most plastic eels have tapered tails that create a natural wobbling movement in the water. Add subtle twitches to the reel every now and then to mimic the movement of a fleeing baitfish.
Popular plastic eel brands include Gravity Tackle, Game On, Al Gag, and JoeBaggs. Specific products include the DuraTech Eels, the Twitch-It Eel, and the Block Island Eels.
