Striped Bass on Live Eels
There are two distinct methods for targeting striped bass on live eels. Anglers can choose either conventional tackle or spinning tackle. Conventional tackle is somewhat heavier and easier to fish. However, lighter spinning tackle can produce a much better presentation and will nearly always out-fish conventional tackle when there are big fish around.
Conventional Rod & Reel
When drifting live eels for striped bass in fast currents, or on fast drifts when sinkers are needed, we recommend a 6’6″ to 7′ conventional rod with a fast to extra-fast action.. We recommend loading the conventional reel with 30lb braid attached to a 5ft length of 30-50lb fluorocarbon leader using a 75lb barrel swivel. The rig is completed with a 5/0 or 6/0 offset style circle hook. An egg sinker just large enough to allow the angler to keep the eel just off the bottom should be used.
Spinning Rod & Reel
For catching stripers on live eels when fishing in conditions where an eel can swim to the bottom unassisted (slow drifts, shallow water, or when stemming) we recommend a 7′ spinning rod and a spinning reel loaded with with 30lb fused line attached to a 5ft length of 30-50lb fluorocarbon leader using a 75lb barrel swivel. The rig is completed with a 5/0 or 6/0 offset style circle hook.
Hooks for Live Eels
Whether using spinning or conventional tackle we strongly suggest using circle hooks. Eels are a very easy bait to swallow and indiscriminately target fish of all sizes. A typically day will see many undersized fish brought to the boat. The best way to release these fish is by using a dehooker at boat-side (do not net them). This will greatly reduce the stress on the fish and ensure the best chance of a quick recovery.
Braided and Fused Lines
We recommend using 30lb or heavier braided or fused lines. The thin diameter of these lines will improve the presentation by allowing the eel to dive deep quickly and stay deep. however, it is critical that the angler leaves the reel in free spool at all times to allow the striper to grab the eel and turn away before closing the bail or putting the reel in gear. No hook set is required as the circle hook should set itself in the corner of the fishes mouth. Using lines lighter than 30lb is a mistake. Bigger fish may be impossible to stop and the duration of the fight will create additional stress on the fish.
Rigging a Live Eel
Whenever fishing with live eels it is important to have a big supply of dry towels. Take an old big towel and cut it into many small towels and put them in a dry place. Once the towels get wet and covered with eel slime they need to be washed and dried before they can be used again. Grab the eel just behind the head and put the hook through the lower lip and out through the upper lip. Be careful not to set the hook too far back or you may kill the eel.
The Right Bottom
The best spots for targeted trophy striped bass with live eels are rocky bottoms, boulder fields, ledges, and drop offs. Use your sonar unit to locate the best spots and hopefully to see some fish on those spots. When fishing in strong current or wind assisted drift it is critical to start the drift well above the targeted bottom. This gives the eel a chance a swim down to the right depth and be in the hit zone as you drift across your target.
Striped Bass Tackle Checklist – Live Eels
- 6’6″ to 7′ conventional rod or 7′ spinning rod
- Conventional or spinning reel capable of handling 30lb braid
- 30-50lb fluorocarbon leader
- 75lb (or equivalent) barrel swivel
- 5/0 – 6/0 circle hooks
Contact us if you have questions about our recommendations
Tackle Recommendations
 | Penn Legion Spinning Inshore spinning rod - 6'6" to 8' - multiple models suitable for 6-40lb mono and 6-65lb braid - fast to extra-fast actions Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon |  |  |
 | Shimano Teramar Northeast Inshore Spinning Inshore spinning rod - 6'6" to 8' - multiple models suitable for 10-30lb mono and 8-30lb braid - medium fast to extra-fast actions Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy direct at Amazon | | |
 | Penn Spinfisher VI Spinning reel - models rated for 6-50lb mono and 10-80lb braid - 4.2:1, 4.7:1, 5.6:1, and 6.2:1 gear ratios - 5+1 ball bearings, sealed spool/body, CNC gears, HT-100 drag washers, line capacity rings, and more Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Penn Clash Spinning reel - models rated for 4-30lb mono and 8-80lb braid - 4.7:1, 5.6:1, 6.2:1 gear ratios - Full Metal Body, CNC Gear Technology, Leveline Oscillation System, HT-100™ carbon fiber drag washers, 8 Sealed stainless steel ball bearing, Instant Anti-Reverse bearing, Heavy-duty aluminum bail wire, Braid ready spool and line capacity rings Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Shimano Spheros SW Spinning reel - models rated for 6-30lb mono and 20-100lb braid - 4,4:1, 4.6:1, 4.8:1, or 4.9:1 gear ratios - 4 ball bearings, Hagane body, Hagane gear, X-shield, cross carbon drag, and CF aluminum cold forge spool. Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Shimano Stradic FK Spinning reel - models rated for 2-20lb mono and 10-65lb braid - 4.8:1 and 6.2:1 gear ratios - 6 ball bearings - Hagane gear provides power with cold forged drive gear, precision cut gears for power and smoothness, Hagane body, Dyna balance, Fluid Drive II gearing system, and cold forged aluminum spool Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy direct at Amazon | | |
 | Berkley Fireline Fused Fused line - more resistant to nicks and abuse than braided line - blaze orange, flame green, or smoke colors - available in 6 to 30lb test and 125, 300, 1500, and 3000yd spools Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Mustad Circle Hook 39951NP-BN - Opti-Angle Needle Point, chemically sharpened, Nor-Tempered, Z-Shaped offset secures plastic, fine wire, extra wide bend, black nickel Learn more and buy on Amazon | |
 | Mustad Rolling Swivel 77900 - Black Rolling Swivel w/round eye - available sizes/rating: 4/144lb, 6/118lb, 8/104lb, 9/77lb, 10/70lb, 12/49lb, and 14/42lb |
 | Yo-Zuri Fluorocarbon Leader Fluorocarbon leader - invisible, durable, max knot/crimp strength - clear and disappearing pink colors - 4-200lb test and 30/100yd spools Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Yo-Zuri TopKnot Fluorocarbon Leader Fluorocarbon leader - additional abrassion resistance, lower diameter, invisible, durable, max knot/crimp strength - clear and disappearing pink colors - 8-200lb test and 30/100yd spools Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Berkley Prospec Leader Fluorocarbon leader - invisible, durable, max knot/crimp strength - clear, blue, pink, brown colors - 20-200lb test and 25/33/75/100yd coils Learn more and buy at Tackle Direct Learn more and buy on Amazon | | |
 | Berkley Floating Dehooker Soft grip buoyant handle - removes embedded hooks safely - lanyard included Learn more and buy direct from Berkley Learn more and buy direct from Amazon |  | |
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