Eel

Eels grow to enormous sizes in Spain. As in most parts of the world, eels can be caught just about anywhere. The tidal stretches of most rivers, such as the Quadalquivir, hold large amounts of eels. All the inland embalses and lakes are worth a try. But as I have already said, you will catch these prolific fish anywhere.

If fishing the tidal stretches of rivers, then a light beach caster or pier set up will produce fish. Fish crab or ragworm on large single hooks for best results. Fish larger baits for larger fish – although a small ‘bootlace’ will make small work of the largest of baits. Fish a paternoster with two or three hooks. Leads will need to be adjusted according to the strength of the tide, but try to fish as light as possible.

When fishing non tidal rivers or stillwaters, standard or traditional eel methods will easily suffice. Large lobworms will always catch fish, especially at dawn and dusk during the summer months. Small deadbaits will take the larger specimens. Fish deep holes in rivers or near the dam wall on embalses. A wire trace is required when fishing deadbaits on those waters that also hold pike. As I have mentioned, dawn and dusk are always the best times to target eels but remember - night fishing is not allowed anywhere in Spain. You can, however, fish up to one hour after sunset. This time inevitably produces most fish.

Fish your bait on as light a ledger as possible. Eels hate resistance, and will drop a bait very quickly. The larger fish will normally run with a deadbait before swallowing the bait. Hit these runs when the initial run stops. If fishing worms then hit any bite as you would for other species. If you can, try feeding breadcrumbs mixed with pieces of dead fish or fish oils. Minced sardines or anchovies work well. A couple of capfuls of pilchard oil in the groundbait also works a treat.

A simple ledger rig will catch eels. Make sure to use a powerful rod, in the 0.9 to 1.36 kilo (2lb to 3lb) TC bracket. Strong lines of 5.44 kilos (12lb) breaking strain are a must. This beefy approach is mainly to get fish away from snaggy areas as quickly as possible. Remember, eels love snags and features, so you need to fish as close to or in these for the best results.

I have caught eels on pieces of calves’ liver in the past – and I must admit this is probably my most effective bait in Spain! Fish 3 to 4 cm (1.18 to 1.57 inch) pieces on a size 6 to 10 hook. This bait is readily available in most supermarkets and butchers. Loose feed a little bit of liver around your hookbait, or mince the liver and blood with breadcrumbs to act as groundbait. Another excellent bait is fish entrails – especially sardine entrails. Ledger or float fish this bait, which is especially effective on tidal waters.