The eel is unmistakable and almost impossible to confuse with any other animal - perhaps only a snake!! If it were not for the fins you could be excused for doing so.
Anguilla anguilla is an incredible creature although it has to be said many an angler does not particularly adore them.
Until the early 1920's the life cycle of Anguilla anguilla was a mystery, then it was discovered that during the late summer to Autumn Anguilla anguilla migrates to the Sargasso Sea.
At this stage they may have spent between 10 to 20 years in freshwater. After this huge journey across the Atlantic they breed and then die. The cycle then continues as juvenile elvers then cross the Atlantic again returning to freshwater.
Description
Anguilla anguilla has an elongated body similar to a snake and it tapers towards the tail. Its dorsal and tail fin are as one and it has two small fins just to the rear of its gill covers.
Their colour is generally a greeney brown however just prior to migration they change to a silvery grey.
By maturity an adult can reach up to 5 feet long and the current British record stands at 11lb 2oz.
Habitat
Anguilla anguilla are widespread across the Uk and are found in almost any water course regardless of pollution levels. They can also travel across land and therefore move from canal to lake or river.
Baits
Small eels feed on worms and small crustaceans, however larger specimens will take small fish, frogs and even mice.
The best bait by far is worm but eels will also take maggot and caster. On stillwaters and canals 'Dead maggots' can be fed as loose feed which attracts the eels.
On rivers feeder or ledgering tacktics work best whereas on still waters floatfishing or pole tactics will take fish as long as the bait is anchored to the bottom.
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catch Click this link
