How to handle eels?????????

[tony jolley]

For those who may have missed this before, this is the press release that is posted on the anglers net web page,

Please take the time to read it and print it off if need be for future referance.

 

Regards.

Tony.

 

Press Releases

 

SPECIALIST EEL ANGLING GROUPS 15:59 Saturday, 10-10-2001

 

It has been brought to the attention of the Specialist Eel Angling Groups that there has been advice on the handling of eels placed within the angling press in recent weeks. The advice that has been given does not fall within the recommendations of eel handling as published within the S.A.A ( Specialist Anglers Alliance) code of conduct.

 

The Specialist Eel Angling Groups feels it is their place to advise on the correct procedure of hook removal and holding of captured eels. We strongly advise that ALL anglers refer and adopt the guidelines on eel handling as printed within the S,A,A code of conduct. We would also like to advise your readers of the correct procedure within this press release.

 

We advise that all potential eel bites/ takes should be struck as early as possible so as to reduce the potential of deep hooking. Once an eel has been hooked and landed we advise the eel be moved away from the waters edge and laid on soft material such as a Carp un-hooking mat. If the eel is found initially to be "uncontrollable" , we recommend lying the eel on its back for a short period of 20 to 30 seconds . The eel and the captors hands should be kept moist at all times, to prevent the removal of the protective layer of slime which the eel needs to keep itself free from infections. It was advised in one angling magazine that the captor should "Wrap the eel in newspaper", so as to give the captor a "better grip" of the eel, We cannot express our feelings strongly enough on the potential damage that can be caused to a eel in these circumstances.

 

Once the eel has been "calmed down" by gentle handling, the captor should assess the location of the hook, If the hook is visible in the front of the mouth, strong forcepts should be used to remove the hook. If the hook is "out of sight" we strongly advise against the use of a disgorger, as these have the potential to puncture vital organs eg heart, liver ,etc, that are located just behind the eels head. We advise, instead that if the hook is NOT Visible that the captor DOES NOT attempt removal, Instead the line should be cut as close to the eels mouth as possible and the hook left in its position, ( captures of eels by our members have shown that some eels with the hook out of sight and the line cut close as possible to the mouth have later re-gurgatated the bait with the hook within it or passed the hook through its digestive system).

 

When the captor is holding the eel for pictures or release we strongly advise that the eel is NOT to be gripped tightly within about a 10 inch area of the head, as this can also damage the internal organs of the eel and in no circumstances should your readers insert a finger into the gill opening of an eel, this is destined to result in the death of the said eel. A picture of an 8lb+ eel in the press recently showed the captor lifting the eel in this manner, to the disgust of many eel anglers, this showing a complete lack of respect to this amazing fish.

 

Anglers should refer to the S.A.A (Specialist Anglers Alliance) code of conduct or alternatively they can visit the National Anguilla Club web site at http://www.angling.freeserve.co.uk/nac.htm were they will find a pictorial explanation of the described method of calming and handling of freshwater eels.

 

[ 23. February 2003, 09:08 AM: Message edited by: tony jolley ]

[The Diamond Geezer]

quote:

---

Originally posted by tony jolley:

For those who may have missed this before,

{as posted by Diamond Geezer,}

Anglers should refer to the S.A.A (Specialist Anglers Alliance) code of conduct or alternatively they can visit the National Anguilla Club web site at

http://www.angling.freeserve.co.uk/nac.htm

were they will find a pictorial explanation of the described method of calming and handling of freshwater eels.

---

[chris mc]

ive hered that carving a trench (appox6" deep) in the ground and lieying the eel in the trench on it's back uselly works.Don't know if this is true or not cause haven't cort a eel since i got told this advice.Trolly Dolly or any other Eel Anglers shed any light on this methord?

 

[ 23. February 2003, 07:11 PM: Message edited by: chris mc ]

[tony jolley]

Yes the practice of creating a trench to lie an eel in goes way back, people used to think it "calmed the devil" that possessed the eel, that is were the crucifix idea comes from,

But you really don`t need to do anything of the like, just follow the advice in the above link, its so easy to do,

[chris mc]

Tony i'm sorry i have just reliased how totally wrong i got your name .

[tony jolley]

Dont worry about it Chris, I just thought you were having a laugh!.

anyway, thins link is straight to the pictures of Phil Lukins calming a nice eel of 3lb14oz,

http://www.angling.freeserve.co.uk/eelcare.htm