Baits for eel
Eel baits: lobworm, dead bait, fish strips and the night
European eels feed at night and by scent. Lobworm for narrow-headed eels, dead bait for broad-headed eels, both on the bottom and without hurry.
The lure groups
What for, in which size and colour, and how to work it.
Lobworm
The classic on all waters, especially for narrow-headed eels in lakes and canals.
- Size
- A whole lobworm or a bunch of two to three on a size 2 to 6 hook.
- Colour
- Not relevant. Fresh lively worms catch better than limp ones.
- Retrieve
- On the bottom with a light running lead, line slightly tight, bite alarm or bell. Wait briefly on a bite, then strike.
Dead bait and fish strips
Broad-headed eels in rivers and big lakes, big eels, waters full of small fish.
- Size
- Bait fish 6 to 10 cm or a thumb-length strip, hook size 1 to 4.
- Colour
- Not relevant. Oily fish such as smelt or mackerel pieces smell strongly.
- Retrieve
- On the bottom at edges and along the current. Big eels take the bait slowly, be patient on the strike.
Maggots, redworms and bunches
Small rivers, ponds, nights with many cautious bites.
- Size
- Several maggots or two redworms on a size 8 to 10 hook.
- Colour
- Not relevant.
- Retrieve
- Light ledger rig or float at the bank. If small fish pester, change to lobworm.
Through the year
- Spring First bites from water temperatures around 10 C, usually in May. Shallow warming areas.
- Summer The best time: warm dark nights, before and after thunderstorms, falling flood water in rivers.
- Autumn Good until October, silver eels running in rivers. Then it goes quiet.
- Winter Eels hardly feed. Break until spring.
Rules of thumb
Eels bite after dark, best at new moon and under cloud. No light on the water.
At night eels move into the shallows and along the bank edge. Two to ten metres out is often enough.
Eel is protected or has closed seasons and catch bans in many countries and German states. Check the profile and local rules.
Quick questions
What is the best bait for eel?
Lobworm catches everywhere, especially narrow-headed eels. Dead bait and fish strips bring the bigger broad-headed eels in rivers and big lakes.
When do eels bite best?
In warm dark nights from May to October, especially before and after thunderstorms and on falling flood water in rivers.
What rig for eel?
A simple ledger rig with a running lead, 40 to 60 cm mono hooklength and a size 2 to 6 hook. Line slightly tight, bite alarm or bell.
Next
Lures for other species
Lures for other species
Everything here is a rule of thumb from practice, not a guarantee. Lures are named as a group, not as a brand. Sizes are guide values.
In Germany, closed seasons and minimum sizes are set by each state and can be stricter for single waters. All German rules by state, with the legal source. Outside Germany, the local rules apply: licence and agency by country.
Know more?
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