Big eel fanatic Steve Pitts banked this fine 7lb 7oz specimen recently – but not before suffering no fewer than 155 blank nights to do it!
Steve has a remarkable record with the species, having landed a 10lb 2oz fish back in 2020. This latest ‘super snake’ came from what he describes as a ‘wild wilderness water’.
It contains a low stock of very large fish, and he spent the whole of last season on there without a single bite for his efforts. But his persistence paid off when he landed this giant eel, which measured 48ins long with a 9.75ins girth.
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“It gave an awesome fight, forcing me to get into the lake as it powered over the shallows,” Steve said. “They’re such rare beasts, and when I’d waited so long for a bite, I certainly didn’t want to lose it. Enduring so many blanks isn’t for everyone, but I love the challenge big eels present. That’s why I dedicate so much time to them. But there’s far more to it than just the fishing. I keep busy by enjoying the wildlife around me.”
Steve had his eel on an Arma Mesh bag filled with bits of fish on a bolt-style rig, a set-up he advocates as part of the ‘lip-hook your eels’ campaign, which he promotes in his role as the National Anguilla Club’s Environmental Officer.
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