Andy in Eelfest

Andy Nets his Biggest Eel to Date

In one of the most successful big fish campaigns of his career, and he’s had plenty of those, Andy Nellist from Tring, Hertfordshire, hit the jackpot with a catch of seven eels any one of which would have put a smile on the face of a big eel hunter.

Big fish specialist Andy Nellist, resplendent in his latest slimewear, displays his biggest eel at 7lb 14oz

But it was his personal best fish of 7lb 14oz that was the icing on the cake.

Fishing with Warren ‘Wol’ Gaunt, who had his own giant eel a few weeks previously at 7lb 15oz, he fished double lobworm hookbaits and fed with PVA bags of maggots.

Tackle was size 4 Drennan Carbon Specimen hooks to 12 inches of 35lb Kryston Quicksilver. Rigs were free-running links with weights varying from 2 SSG to 2oz.

Over two consecutive nights Andy’s eel catches were:

Night 1
7-14
5-14 (hooked whilst playing the 7-14)
4-1
5-2

Night 2
4-13
6-4
5-6

Wol had an eel of 4lb 13oz but needed to catch up on some sleep and left early.

Andy said, “Few fish look more impressive than a big eel, but an eel that weighs close to 8lb is just awesome.”

“I’ve had my scales checked for accuracy and they’re bang on,” he added.