Description : This species is common in lakes, ponds, canals and rivers, feeding on invertebrates and small fish mainly in the hours of darkness. Instantly recognisable by its long, thin snakelike body and its long adjoining anal and dorsal fins. When eels mature, anywhere between 7 and 14 years, they head for the sea, crossing land masses between waters if necessary. The fish changes from yellow to silver in colour and their eyes become bigger. They cross the Atlantic to the Sargasso Sea where they spawn at great depths and then ultimately die. The larvae and then young eels, elvers, can remain in the sea for over 3 years before heading back up the rivers and inland waterways.

Angling information : The current UK record is 11lb 2oz 0drm, and anything over around 4lb is considered to be a specimen. The eel feeds mainly at night relying greatly on sense of smell. Tough line is required for these hard-fighting fish, if specimens are being targeted then a wire trace and a main line of around 10lb breaking strain together with specimen rod is required. As eels are often found in the lower levels of water scavenging for food on the bottom then legering becomes the preferred method. They can be caught on worms, maggot, caster and deadbait.

Tip : Bunches of lobworms are a big favourite. Strike early at the first sign of a bite to hook the fish in the lip as deep-hooked eels are difficult to unhook. Hold the fish through a landing net when unhooking.