How to Keep Eels Alive for Fishing: Simple, Proven Techniques
Introduction
Keeping eels alive is essential for anglers, pet owners, and anyone transporting or storing these fascinating creatures. Whether you’re preparing eels for fishing, keeping them as pets, or moving them from one location to another, proper care ensures their health and longevity. This guide explains how to keep eels alive for fishing, transport, or at home, covering tank setup, bucket methods, and overnight storage. You’ll learn expert-backed, actionable steps for maintaining eel health, including the importance of moisture, drainage, and temperature control. Understanding these methods will help you avoid common pitfalls and keep your eels in optimal condition.
A few easy steps to keep eels alive
When it comes to eels, nothing is quite as effective as live bait. Live eels are considered one of the most effective baits for targeting certain fish species, such as cobia, due to their enticing movement and vitality. Unfortunately, most anglers would agree that live bait just isn’t all that easy to find. In the world of fish, some species live a long and happy life, while others, especially those in tropical climates, often die by the thousands. Recent research has even identified a new species of flatworm as a major cause of eel mortality. However, with the right care, you can keep your eels alive and healthy for fishing, transport, or as pets.
Handling live eels as bait can be challenging because they are extremely slippery and active. It is important to be able to quickly and securely grab eels to prevent them from escaping or being injured. Techniques such as using a firm hand grasp, paper towels, a rag, or specialized eel-grabbing tools can help anglers grab eels safely and efficiently without causing harm, making it easier to rig and manage your bait effectively.
How do you keep eels alive at home?
Eels need to stay moist to survive, but they do not need to be in water. This is a crucial fact for anyone caring for eels at home. There are many methods discussed by experienced aquarists—often referred to in various method, thread, old thread, older thread, and new thread discussions—each with its own advantages for keeping eels alive and healthy.
A fine sand substrate is recommended to protect their delicate skin and facilitate natural burrowing, which helps keep eels healthy and comfortable. Eels require a tightly sealed tank of 60-100+ gallons due to their size and waste production. High-quality canister filters or sumps are necessary for eel aquariums because of their significant waste output. Eels thrive in environments with abundant hiding spots, such as caves or PVC pipes. They need stable water parameters, with a temperature range of 75–82°F and a pH of 7.5–8.5 for brackish species. The drip acclimation method is recommended for new eel arrivals to prevent osmotic shock.
Proper tank setup, feeding, and handling methods are all important for their well-being. Eels are carnivorous and require a varied diet of protein-rich foods such as shrimp, squid, and fish. Juvenile eels should be fed every 2–3 days, while adults should be fed once or twice a week to prevent overfeeding. Eels should not be kept with small fish or crustaceans, as they are likely to be eaten.
Cleaning practices for eel tanks include performing weekly water changes of 25-30% to maintain water quality. Eels can potentially survive for a short period after escaping their tank if handled correctly and quickly returned to water.
Tank Size and Setup
Use a tank that is large enough to accommodate your eels comfortably—at least 2,000 gallons is ideal for multiple eels.
Ensure the tank has a secure lid, as eels are escape artists.
Install a high-quality filter to keep the water clean and free of toxins.
Consider using a saltwater aquarium if you are keeping marine eels.
Provide hiding spots and substrate, such as sand or rocks, to reduce stress.
Feeding Eels
Feed eels small fish or bloodworms, which are high in protein and easy to digest.
Avoid overfeeding; let them eat only one-half to two-thirds of what you offer.
Monitor their behavior to ensure they are not too aggressive during feeding.
Water Quality
Change two inches of fresh water daily to maintain cleanliness.
Make sure the water is free from pollutants and toxins.
Use a filter to prevent stagnant water, as eels can suffocate if kept in stagnant water without proper drainage.
Eels can die quickly if they are submerged in stagnant water without oxygen, so always ensure proper water movement and drainage.
Handling Tips
Buy adult eels when possible, as they have stronger immune systems.
Supplement their diet with vitamins to boost immunity.
Always wash your hands before and after handling eels to prevent disease.
Avoid sourcing eels from unreliable pet stores to reduce the risk of disease.
If you need to transport or temporarily store eels, you may need to keep them in a bucket. Here’s how to do that safely.
How do you keep eels alive in a bucket?
Eels need to stay moist to survive, but they do not need to be submerged in water. If you keep eels in too much water, they can drown and become dead bait, so proper drainage is essential to keep your live eel healthy. Using a bottom bucket with holes poked in the sides and bottom allows slime to drain and helps keep eels healthy and manageable. When keeping eels in a bucket, it’s important to avoid stagnant water, as eels can suffocate if kept in stagnant water without proper drainage. Eels can die quickly if they are submerged in stagnant water without oxygen.
Choosing the Right Container
Use a bucket or container with holes drilled in the sides and bottom to allow for proper drainage and prevent slime buildup.
Consider a three-bucket system: nest two buckets with holes inside a solid outer bucket to allow slime and excess water to drain away.
Place a layer of sand or damp newspaper at the bottom to keep eels moist and allow for some movement.
Keeping Eels Cool and Moist
Keep the bucket in a cool, shaded area to reduce stress and prolong eel life.
Place a wet towel over the eels to maintain moisture.
Add ice packs or ice to the bucket (but not directly on the eels) to keep them cool, especially during transport.
Eels can become lethargic when kept on ice, making them easier to handle.
Preventing Suffocation
Never keep eels in a bucket of stagnant water without drainage, as this can lead to suffocation.
Regularly drain any accumulated water and replace damp towels or substrate as needed.
Additional Tips
Use a mesh bag if wading, allowing fresh water to circulate around the eels.
Keep the bucket in a dark environment to reduce stress and prolong their life.
If you plan to keep eels in a bucket for an extended period, it’s important to monitor their condition and clean the container frequently. Next, let’s look at how long eels can survive in a bucket and what you can do to maximize their lifespan.
How long will eels stay alive in a bucket?
Eels can live for several days when kept cool and moist, but their survival depends on proper care.
Factors Affecting Survival
Eels kept in a cool, dark place with adequate moisture can survive for up to a month.
If left in a bucket in a dark place without proper drainage, they may die within weeks.
Adding ice and keeping the environment moist can prolong their lifespan.
Step-by-Step Care
Place wood or sand in the bottom of the bucket for comfort.
Add a small amount of salt to increase water conductivity if using water.
Use a wet towel or damp newspaper to keep eels moist.
Place ice packs around (not directly on) the eels to keep them cool.
Regularly drain any melt-off water to prevent suffocation.
Keep the lid slightly open for ventilation, but secure enough to prevent escape.
Clean the bucket and replace towels or substrate as needed.
Transitioning from bucket storage, you may need to keep eels alive overnight for fishing or transport. Here’s how to do it effectively.
How do you keep eels alive overnight?
Eels need to stay moist to survive, but they do not need to be submerged in water. Overnight storage requires keeping them cool, moist, and well-ventilated.
Step-by-Step Overnight Storage
Place the eels in a small container or bucket with holes for drainage.
Cover the eels with a wet towel or damp newspaper to maintain moisture.
Place the container on top of ice in a cooler, ensuring the eels are not in direct contact with the ice.
Keep the cooler in a dark, cool place to reduce stress.
Check periodically to ensure the eels remain moist and cool.
Drain any accumulated water to prevent suffocation from slime buildup.
Most eel fishermen toss the eels into a cooler with a wet rag and drive to their favorite fishing spot. By following these steps, you can be confident your eels will survive the night and be ready for use.
