hi,
in the late 60s, early 70s, i vaguely remember that the general consensus was that you could indeed fish for 'eels only'during the close season.Maybe it was to do with the catagorisation of the eel, i.e. salt or fresh water fish?, this may have led to a misunderstanding or misconception of rules with regards the close season on the eel. i would imagine that it would have been up to the area controlling water company in them times (pre EA). What puzzles me is, WHY would you want to do this? i suspect you may be looking for a loop hole to enable you to fish? I wouldnt bother bud,just accept that the close season means exactly that, CLOSED.You want eels, then fish a local still water or salt water creek or estuary(rules may apply to the latter, check with EA). New 'eel only' season, march 15 to june 16!!??
Ron,
I too used to go eel'bobbing', i used to walk the local 'dykes'(drains), lowering bait(lob worms) into thier holes in bottom of dyke. They took some hauling out, even with heavy rod and 20+line.I used to do this during the winter.Also used to use an eel 'shear'(a barbed, wide tined trident) attached to a 12'bamboo cane(outlawed these days)stabbing the dyke bottom 12" behind thier lair (hole) entrance normally got them, providing one was in residence.I point out, that catching eels this way was purely for food and NOT for sport. The good old days eh!!!
Regards. Chubbly
ps. happy new year.