Eel is best caught on warm summer evenings or nights, in still or slow-flowing waters. Use worms or dead fish as bait, and fish with sliding sinkers on the bottom. In the Netherlands, you must immediately release every caught eel due to the carry-along ban. In Belgium, however, it is allowed to take eels with you.
Eel fishing is exciting, easy to learn, and perfect for summer evenings. But it does require the right approach. In this guide, you will discover how to start eel fishing, which bait to use, where to fish, and what the rules are.
What makes eel fishing unique?
The eel is a nocturnal bottom fish with a strong sense of smell and a slippery body. It mainly hunts worms, crustaceans, and small fish. Due to its behavior, the right timing and location are crucial.
Best time to fish for eel
Evening and night are most effective because eels become active then. The summer months of July and August are prime. Warm nights with little light or wind are perfect for a successful session.
Where do you fish for eel?
Look for sheltered, quiet spots such as behind dams, locks, in reed beds, or at the edges of ponds and ditches. Slow-flowing or still water is ideal. The darker and quieter, the better.
Bait for eel: this really works
Worms
Lugworms and manure worms are classics. Thread lugworms fully onto the hook. Use manure worms in a bunch. Use eel hooks size 4 or 6 with a long shank.
Dead fish
Small roaches, sardines, or smelt are ideal for larger eels. Use a fluorocarbon leader and a small treble hook. Note: fresh fish is a must — eels do not like rotten bait.
Setup & technique
Bottom rig
Use a sliding sinker of 20 to 30 grams. Attach a swivel to prevent line twist and work with a leader of about 30 cm. Fish with a bite indicator, a waker, or a well-weighted float.
On a bite
Wait a few seconds so the eel can properly take the bait. Then strike firmly and quickly pull it to shore. Do not give slack: otherwise, the eel will twist itself loose.
Equipment for eel fishing
Use a sturdy feeder or spinning rod from 2.40 to 3.30 meters. The line should be at least 26/00 nylon. Preferably choose fluorocarbon for leaders, especially when fishing with dead fish. Eel hooks are thin, long, and have a narrow bend. Also essential are a wet cloth, a bucket, and a good landing net.
Traditional technique: peuring
Peuring is an old method where you thread worms on a woolly thread and offer it with a peuring stick. The eel gets caught with its teeth in the thread and is pulled in with one jerk. This is mainly used in ditches or harbors.
Legal rules: releasing eel
In the Netherlands, it is forbidden to take eels with you. Every eel must be immediately released back into the same water. This is legally required due to the vulnerable eel population. Failure to comply with these rules can lead to fines and confiscation of equipment.
Frequently asked questions
Is eel fishing still allowed?
Yes, as long as you release the fish immediately.
What is the best bait for eel?
Lugworms and manure worms are the most effective. Fresh dead fish also works for large eels.
How can you attract eel?
Use strongly scented, fresh bait and fish in quiet, dark areas. Regularity also helps: feed a spot for a few days with pieces of fish or worms.