Eels for crab bait?

[crabsindumont]

My son caught an eel in the Hudson River (near the George Washington bridge).  I read somewhere that eels make good crab bait.  Anyone know if that's true?  I wouldn't go out and buy eel, but it's just sitting in my freezer, so I'll use it if I can. 

It's about two feet long, so the crabs can feast on it for a while.

[Crabby Crabber]

I have caught and used eel many times. To be honest, sometimes I they work great, sometimes not so much. I think it depends what other food source is in the water at the time. Either way, cut it up into 3-4 inch chunks and have at it. Let us know how you do !

[crabsindumont]

thanks for the info.  Will do.  My son like to eat or re-use whatever we catch, so he'll be more than happy to hear that it has worked for others.  We'll let you know.

[registereduser]

eel works fine, salt and de slime, 3-4" is too big, small baits, cut into thumb size pieces, i usually cut bigger eels in half lengthwise or at an angle, you can eat them too

[crabsindumont]

eel works fine, salt and de slime, 3-4" is too big, small baits, cut into thumb size pieces, i usually cut bigger eels in half lengthwise or at an angle, you can eat them too

thanks for the info. i was wondering if I should slice them in half lengthwise before baiting the crab cage. I figure it might increase the oil/scent it gives off that way.  I'll try both.  But you're saying i should add salt to them? 

they are slimy suckers.  getting the hook out, I used a rag to hold the eel; and the rag was stiff with dried slime in 10 minutes.   

[jack1747]

thanks for the info. i was wondering if I should slice them in half lengthwise before baiting the crab cage. I figure it might increase the oil/scent it gives off that way.  I'll try both.  But you're saying i should add salt to them? 

they are slimy suckers.  getting the hook out, I used a rag to hold the eel; and the rag was stiff with dried slime in 10 minutes.   

Stick'em in a cooler with just their head out and sit on the lid. Unhook. Works great.

[Crabby Captn John]

Caught one over 2' last fishing trip. It not only ate the minnow but swallowed the 3/8 oz jig so far it could not be seen. Figured if he were that hungry I'd let him go.

[riverpop]

crabs generally avoid eel because of the slimy skin layer, when i used to crab the raritan there was an abundance of eel , i've cut them up several times for bait, never had any positive results, would'nt even try it again.

[ChrisS]

You have to float the eel in brine, cut em into 1.5 inch pieces and salt em good.
Make sure you store them in a cool place, an old fridge or freezer. The big eels, I'd just let go. You really want the "garden hose" type, not the "radiator hoses".

Crabs love em.

[lreops]

Back in the day the only thing ever used was eel, and believe me, I've caught many a crab with eel. Of course, back then the global market wasn't around to drive the price of eel like today.

[Dreampixels]

Cut my teeth on eels.......................

[gcs]

I sell my eels, at the price, I can then afford picked crab meat.