European Eel
Eel
A long, smooth, snake-like fish with a small head, tiny eyes and a continuous fin running from mid-back around the tail to the belly. Colouring ranges from olive-yellow-brown ('yellow eel') to a silvery sheen in adults preparing to migrate ('silver eel').
Facts
- Has one of the most remarkable migrations of any UK fish — believed to travel to the Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic to spawn.
- The 'silver eel' stage marks a physical transformation eels undergo before their long journey out to sea.
- Now classified as critically endangered, after a catastrophic decline in numbers since the 1980s.
UK fishing rules
European eel is a protected species under UK and EU law — there are strict rules around capture, handling and any retention, and in most cases anglers should release eels immediately with minimal handling. Do not retain eels without confirming current legal status with the Environment Agency or your regional authority.
Where to catch European Eel (11 marks)
| Mark | Region | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aldeburgh Beach | East | Summer–autumn | Worm bait after dark |
| Brightlingsea (Bateman's Tower) | East | Variable | Bait fished, regular by-catch here |
| Canvey Island (The Point) | East | Summer | Worm bait after dark |
| Conwy Quay | Wales | Jun–Aug | fish or worm bait after dark in warm weather |
| Fisherrow Harbour, Musselburgh | Scotland | Summer | Worm fished static on the bottom in the old lagoon channels. |
| Herne Bay | South East | Mar–May | Rag/lug close in around the estuary mouth |
| Hunstanton Cliffs & Beach | East | Autumn | Worm bait after dark |
| Littlehampton West Beach & East Bank | South East | Summer | Worm bait fished static in the harbour |
| Ness Point, Lowestoft | East | Summer–autumn | Worm bait after dark |
| Point Clear, St Osyth | East | Summer–autumn | Worm bait after dark |
| Sheringham West Beach | East | Late evening, year-round | Worm bait fished after dark |