Gravel Pit Eel Fishing

Phil Spinks Specimen Series - Gravel Pit Eel Fishing

In this latest episode of the Specimen Series, Phil Spinks targets a species that some anglers would ask the question “why?”. For Phil, who is an all-round angler, loves the mystery of big eels. A really big eel is the holy grail and such a rare fish. If you’re looking to get into the dark arts of eel fishing, Phil shows you how he approaches his chosen venue, as well as loads of tips. More importantly, Phil shows his eel rig of choice which eliminates 99% of deep hooking an eel.

 

Products Used:

 

Advanta Discovery MRP Fishing Rod 10ft 3lb - View HERE

The Advanta MRP 10' 3lb test curve carp rods are Phil's choice of rods when fishing for big eels. Most of the eel fishing is margin fishing in and around snags and cover such as overhanging trees, so a 10-foot rod is perfect. A big eel is a strong fighter, so the 3lb test curve is powerful enough to stop even the biggest of eels from reaching the snags.

 

Shimano Baitrunner X-Aero RA Reel 6000 - View HERE

These are Shimano's flagship baitrunner. The 6000 size balances with the 10-foot rods perfectly. These super smooth baitrunners have excellent drag systems which cope with hard-fighting big eels perfectly.

 

Advanta Discovery CX One Night Stand Fishing Bivvy V2 - View HERE

Nash Titan Fishing Hide XL Camo Pro - View HERE

Eel fishing always seems very productive on hot muggy summer nights. This shelter offers the perfect protection against mozzies, while also allowing plenty of airflow through the mozzie mesh panels to keep you cool.

 

Nash Titan Hide XL Camo Pro Mozzi Infill - View HERE

A must on hot mozzie-infested summer nights.

 

Advanta Discovery CSX V2 Fishing Landing Net 42 Inch - View HERE

Even an average size eel can be tricky to the net, so a large 42" net makes things so much easier.

 

Carp Porter MK2 Barrow - View HERE

 

Advanta Discovery CCX Rehab Cradle - View HERE

A high-sided cradle makes controlling lively eels much easier. 

 

Advanta Discovery CCX Floatation Weigh Sling - View HERE

Prime time for big eels is after dark, the Advanta floatation sling allows Phil to retain any big eels until the morning safely in the margins.

 

Korda All Purpose Carp Line 1000m 15lb - View HERE

Line choice must be very strong and super tough. Korda carp line is a very tough mono and is necessary for keeping big eels away from snags.

 

Drennan Run Rings Medium - View HERE

Thinking Anglers Buffer Beads - View HERE

Simple running rigs offer no resistance. A combination of these two components makes a neat and tidy setup.

 

RidgeMonkey RM-Tec Anti Tangle Sleeves - View HERE

 

Savage Gear Raw 49 35lb/16kg 10m 0.45mm Uncoated Brown - View HERE

This super supple wire means there is no chance of a hard-fighting eel biting through the hook length. Phil's choice is a 24lb breaking strain.

 

OMC Blend Coated Hooklink Brown 20m 35lb - View HERE

This is a great choice of hooklink material for eel fishing. Phil strips back just a tiny part of the outer coating to attach his hook leaving most of hooklink coated to cope with the aggressive fight of a big eel.

 

Korda Wide Gape Barbless Fishing Hook Size 6 - View HERE

When targeting big eels hooks must be strong. Phil always uses barbless hooks to make unhooking eels as easy as possible.

 

Drennan Fishing Float Stops Medium - View HERE

Gardner Target Line Fishing Stops - View HERE

The twig is held in position between two line stops on the super effective twig rig.

 

Catfish-Pro 50cm Carbon Stiff Tubing - View HERE

This is the most important component in the twig rig. Phil cuts this stiff carbon tubing into short 3-4 inch sections to use as the "twig" on the rig to prevent the eels from swallowing the bait.

 

Savage Gear Wire Crimps - View HERE

Drennan Slim Crimps - View HERE

Although the soft 49-strand wire can be knotted Phil prefers to use crimps as it makes the rigs neat, tidy, and strong.

 

Cygnet Fishing Shrink Tube - View HERE

 

Fox Camotex Kling On Swivel Lead 2.5oz / 70g - View HERE

When using running rigs, it's important that the lead doesn't move. These gripper-style leads are a perfect choice. Heavy leads are best, Phil uses 2.5oz and heavier.

 

Phoenix Curved Forceps - View HERE

The twig rig is very effective at lip hooking eels, a set of decent forceps is necessary for unhooking.

 

Advanta Endurance BLX Bankstick 16 Inch - View HERE

Eels hate any resistance, so fishing the rods on single banksticks pointing straight at the rig is a massive edge. Phil uses drop-off style indicators that attach to the rear bank sticks.