Sofia Martinez
Plastic eels are a popular choice for anglers looking to catch striped bass. They are artificial eel baits that can be rigged in a variety of ways to target trophy-sized bass. The rigging method typically involves threading a hook through the eel's body, ensuring secure attachment and natural movement in the water. Anglers can experiment with different techniques, such as using jigheads, swimbait hooks, or three-way rigs, depending on the fishing conditions and desired depth. Plastic eels offer a versatile and effective alternative to live eels, which can be costly and require more maintenance. With their enticing action and scent, plastic eels have proven to be a deadly method for catching big fish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic eel type | Soft plastic |
| Plastic eel length | 10-14 inches |
| Plastic eel brand | GT Eels |
| Rigging technique | Threading the plastic eel onto a jighead |
| Jighead weight | 1.5-ounce |
| Hook type | Inline circle hooks |
| Hook size | 5/0 to 9/0 |
| Hook brand | Mustad Demon Perfect Circle Hook |
| Hook sharpener | Yes |
| Nail weights | Yes |
| Fishing rod length | 7-7.5 feet |
| Fishing line type | Monofilament |
| Fishing line weight | 40- or 50-pound test |
| Fishing line length | 24 inches |
| Barrel swivel | Yes |
| Fishing technique | Cast and slowly reel with occasional twitches |
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What You'll Learn
Using hooks and sinkers
When rigging a plastic eel with hooks, it is important to use a strong, sharp hook that can withstand the fight of a sizable striped bass. A hook size of 6/0 to 9/0 is commonly recommended, with smaller eels (under ten inches) using a 5/0 hook. Many anglers prefer circle hooks as they are less likely to injure the fish and increase hook-up rates. The hook should be positioned to allow the eel to swim freely, reducing the risk of tangling and increasing the chances of catching fish.
The common method for rigging live eels involves threading the hook through the eel's body. Insert the hook at the eel's nose and exit it through the back, approximately halfway down the body. This positioning allows for natural movement in the water, appealing to the striped bass. Another method is to insert the hook through the eel's mouth and out near its dorsal fin, allowing the eel to swim naturally.
When using hooks and sinkers, it is important to consider the fishing location and water conditions. In shallow water with a light current, use 24 inches of 40- or 50-pound camouflage mono or fluorocarbon with a barrel swivel on one end and a circle hook on the other. In deeper water or areas with a strong current, a three-way rig with heavier tackle is recommended. The use of weights or sinkers can also be necessary to keep the eel at the desired depth. A sliding weight setup increases mobility and helps the eel mimic natural swimming behaviour.
For drifting live eels in fast currents or on fast drifts when sinkers are needed, a 6'6" to 7' conventional rod with a fast to extra-fast action is recommended. Load the conventional reel with a 30-pound braid attached to a 5-foot length of 30-50-pound fluorocarbon leader using a 75-pound barrel swivel. Complete the rig with a 5/0 or 6/0 offset-style circle hook and an egg sinker large enough to keep the eel just off the bottom.
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Preparing the plastic eel
The next step is to prepare the eel itself. If you're using a fresh-dead eel, start by removing any excess slime with a paper towel. You can then rig the eel by attaching a jig head to its mouth and securing it with a zip tie. Alternatively, you can thread the hook through the eel's body, entering at the nose and exiting near the dorsal fin or halfway down the back. This allows for natural movement in the water, appealing to the striped bass. Ensure the hook is secure and positioned to allow the eel to swim freely, reducing the risk of tangles.
For deeper waters or areas with strong currents, consider adding weights to your setup. Nail weights can be inserted anywhere in the plastic eel, allowing you to control weight distribution and balance. When fishing in boulder fields or similar conditions, having different weights available is advantageous as it provides the versatility needed for fishing at different depths and handling current strength.
When preparing multiple eels, it's essential to keep them damp. Place the eels you intend to rig immediately on wet paper towels. For those you plan to use later, put them in a Ziploc bag, cover them with water, squeeze out the air, seal the bag, and store it in a freezer. This preservation method ensures the eels remain fresh and ready for future use.
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Selecting the right hooks
Hook Type:
When rigging dead eels, it is recommended to use inline circle hooks. Circle hooks cause less damage to the fish and make it easier to release them back into the water. They also increase the number of hook-ups. If you're using live eels, circle hooks or octopus-style hooks are good options.
Hook Size:
The size of the hook depends on the size of the eel you're using. For smaller eels, typically those under ten inches, a 5/0 hook is appropriate. Larger eels, on the other hand, may require a bigger hook, such as a 6/0 or 7/0, to ensure a secure hold around the fish's jaw without interference from the eel.
Jighead Hooks:
If you're using a jighead for your plastic eel, look for long shank, heavy-duty hooks with a large collar. This combination provides a strong and stable base for your eel jig. Popular options include the Joe Baggs Eel Jig, Magictails Kill Shot Jig, and Z-Man HeadlockZ HD Jighead.
Hook Placement:
Proper hook placement is essential for effective rigging. When using a single hook, insert it through the throat of the eel and out its back. Additionally, use zip ties to secure the eel to the jighead, with one zip tie around the eel's mouth above the collar and another around its gills toward the bottom of the collar. This prevents the eel from tearing off the hook during a fight with a fish.
Two-Hook Rig:
For a more complex setup, you can use a two-hook dead eel rig. This involves snelling one hook onto a length of Dacron, then threading it through the eel's body using a rigging needle. The second hook is positioned in the eel's mouth, with the hook eye sitting at the back of the mouth and the point facing down through the throat.
Remember, selecting the right hooks depends on various factors, including the type of eel, the fishing conditions, and personal preference. Experiment with different hook types and sizes to find what works best for your specific situation.
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Adding weight
When rigging a plastic eel, adding weight is essential to achieving the desired depth and mimicking the natural swimming behaviour of an eel. Here are some detailed instructions on how to add weight when rigging a plastic eel:
Nail Weights
Nail weights are a simple and effective way to add weight to your plastic eel. They can be inserted anywhere along the eel's body by pushing them into the plastic. This allows you to control the weight distribution and balance of the eel. Lunker City offers a wide range of nail weight sizes, providing a convenient option for customising your rig. This method is particularly useful when fishing in boulder fields or similar structures.
Jigheads
Jigheads are another important tool for adding weight to your plastic eel. The weight of the jighead will depend on the depth and current conditions you are fishing in. For moderate depth and current, jigheads ranging from 1 to 2 ounces are typically ideal. Smaller jigheads are more suitable for slower or shallower water, while heavier jigheads are preferable for deeper and faster-moving currents. The best jigheads for eel jigs feature long shank, heavy-duty hooks, and a large collar. Some recommended options include the JoeBaggs Eel Jig, MagicTails Kill Shot Jig, and Z-Man HeadlockZ HD Jighead.
Sinkers
When fishing with live eels, attaching a sinker to the line is crucial for regulating depth. By using a sliding weight that can move up and down the line, you increase the eel's mobility and ability to mimic natural swimming behaviour. This setup is particularly effective when fishing near structures where striped bass are known to feed, such as rocks, reefs, or underwater vegetation.
Zip-Ties
While not directly adding weight, zip-ties are essential for securing the eel to the jighead. It is recommended to use three small zip-ties: one around the eel's mouth above the collar, another around its gills towards the bottom of the collar, and the final one just above the curve of the hook. This ensures the eel is securely attached to the jighead and can withstand the force of casting and retrieval.
Weight Selection
When selecting the appropriate weight for your plastic eel rig, it is important to consider the depth and current conditions of your fishing location. Having a variety of weights available allows you to quickly adapt to different fishing scenarios. For shallow water with a light current, a setup using 24 inches of 40- or 50-pound monofilament or fluorocarbon with a circle hook is recommended. In deeper water or areas with strong currents, a three-way rig with heavier tackle is more suitable.
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Tying it all together
Plastic eels are a great option for anglers looking to catch big fish, especially striped bass. They are versatile and can be used in various environments, from freshwater rivers to coastal waters. When preparing to fish with plastic eels, it is important to have the right tools and set-up to ensure success.
To start, you will need a plastic eel, a sharp hook, and a weight or sinker. The hook size will depend on the size of the eel, with smaller eels requiring a 5/0 hook and larger eels needing a 6/0 or 7/0 hook. You can also use a jighead for your hook, with sizes ranging from 1 to 2 ounces for most locations. If you want to fish in shallower water, opt for a smaller jighead or a swimbait hook like the BKK Titanrider size 12/0.
When rigging the plastic eel, you can thread the hook through the eel's body, entering at the nose and exiting at the back halfway down. This allows for natural movement in the water, appealing to the fish. Alternatively, you can attach the hook to the eel's mouth, securing it with a zip tie. If using a jighead, you can also add nail weights to the plastic eel to help it reach greater depths.
Once your plastic eel is rigged, cast it out near structures where striped bass are known to feed, such as rocks, reefs, or underwater vegetation. Reel it slowly back with occasional subtle twitches, which is particularly effective when fishing deep structures or along the bottom of a river channel. Keep an eye out for signs of bites, like sudden pulls or runs, and be ready to set the hook firmly when you feel a strike.
With the right rigging and presentation, plastic eels can be a highly effective bait for catching trophy-sized striped bass and other large fish.
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Frequently asked questions
GT Eels from Gravity Tackle are hand-poured baits with a ton of action and are cured in a fish-attracting scent bath. They are a great option for anglers.
There are many ways to rig a plastic eel. You can thread them onto a jighead for fishing at the bottom, or rig them on a swimbait hook for swimming them shallow through boulder fields. You can also add them to a three-way rig when fishing in deep, fast currents.
Circle hooks are a popular choice as they cause less damage to the bass and make them easier to release. A hook size of 6/0 to 9/0 is commonly recommended.
Put the eels in a plastic bag, close it, squeeze out as much air as possible, and run it under very warm water. They will die in under a minute.
