Catching eels

[207browntrout]

Jigging smelt last night and I watched a couple of huge eels on bottom swim by, not interested in my jig.  Wondering if anyone targets them in winter and if so what is your preferred bait? And any tips would be great. I'd like to catch a couple for the smoker.  Thanks

[woodchip]

cut bait laying on bottom, Eels,Hornpout

[fishlessman]

i dont think ive ever seen an eel thru the ice but im thinking that rubber band trick would work to keep it from finding a log to wrap up in

[Springbobn]

Worm or nightcrawler on the bottom. I've caught some on tip ups and a couple jigging this way.

[moosehunter]

caught a big one on a shiner a few years ago.

[TwoLightsKid]

i dont think ive ever seen an eel thru the ice but im thinking that rubber band trick would work to keep it from finding a log to wrap up in

X2 on that, similar to cusk fishing over boulders.  If you let them run out much line they will bury you in the rocks and logs.

[Fish Wayniac]

I have never caught them ice fishing. Have had them in my bait traps twice. All the bait was gone, stomped the eel with my boot. Went and bought shiners.

[Tripper]

Saw a kid catch one ice fishing last year. Big one too. 

[Snopro]

Caught one on a tip up once, Dam near stuffed the trap down the hole! They are the same as a snake to me! Me and snakes don't agree! Put one on or near me and you could lose your life!

[Coffin Dodger]

Your best bet would be a gig (spear).

[207browntrout]

Thanks folks, going out tomorrow night after a couple big ones for the smoker.  I have a couple hundred crawlers I need to use but I will also try cut smelt and see if one does better then the other.  Cheers

[Ohiocatfish]

Good luck browntrout! I've heard smelly chicken livers also far well, but have never tried. I too want to get some in the smoker. There's a couple lakes around here with some big ones but I've never tried going out at night for them on the ice...They are delicious and expensive