04/12/01
A Press
Release on behalf of the Specialist Eel Angling Groups
'Unhooking
and Handling of Eels' It
has been brought to the attention of the Specialist Eel Angling Groups that there
has been advice on the handling of eels placed within the angling press in recent
weeks. The advice that has been given does not fall within the recommendations
of eel handling as published within the S.A.A. (Specialist Anglers Alliance) code
of conduct. The Specialist Eel Angling
Groups feels it is their place to advise on the correct procedure of hook removal
and holding of captured eels. We strongly advise that ALL anglers refer and adopt
the guidelines on eel handling as printed within the S.A.A code of conduct. We
would also like to advise your readers of the correct procedure within this press
release. We advise that all potential
eel bites/takes should be struck as early as possible so as to reduce the potential
of deep hooking. Once an eel has been hooked and landed we advise the eel be moved
away from the waters edge and laid on soft material such as a Carp un-hooking
mat. If the eel is found initially
to be "uncontrollable", we recommend lying the eel on its back for a
short period of 20 to 30 seconds . The eel and the captors hands should be kept
moist at all times, to prevent the removal of the protective layer of slime which
the eel needs to keep itself free from infections. It was advised in one angling
magazine that the captor should "Wrap the eel in newspaper", so as to
give the captor a "better grip" of the eel, We cannot express our feelings
strongly enough on the potential damage that can be caused to a eel in these circumstances. Once
the eel has been "calmed down" by gentle handling, the captor should
assess the location of the hook, If the hook is visible in the front of the mouth,
strong forceps should be used to remove the hook. If the hook is "out of
sight" we strongly advise against the use of a disgorger, as these have the
potential to puncture vital organs eg heart, liver, etc., that are located just
behind the eels head. We advise, instead that if the hook is NOT Visible that
the captor DOES NOT attempt removal, Instead the line should be cut as close to
the eels mouth as possible and the hook left in its position, (captures of eels
by our members have shown that some eels with the hook out of sight and the line
cut close as possible to the mouth have later regurgitated the bait with the hook
within it or passed the hook through its digestive system). When
the captor is holding the eel for pictures or release we strongly advise that
the eel is NOT to be gripped tightly within about a 10 inch area of the head,
as this can also damage the internal organs of the eel and in no circumstances
should your readers insert a finger into the gill opening of an eel, this is destined
to result in the death of the said eel. A picture of an 8lb+ eel in the press
recently showed the captor lifting the eel in this manner, to the disgust of many
eel anglers, this showing a complete lack of respect to this amazing fish. Anglers
should refer to the S.A.A (Specialist Anglers Alliance) code of conduct or alternatively
they can visit the National Anguilla Club web site at www.anguilla.org.uk
were they will find a pictorial explanation of the described method of calming
and handling of freshwater eels. On
behalf of the specialist eel angling groups we would like to thank you for including
this press release on your website. Anthony
Jolley,
Representative of the National Anguilla Club. Clive
Dennison
Representative of the Eel Study Group Collectively
on behalf of the Eel Conservation Society | 
NEWS