The regulations banning the retention and killing of European eels have caused some confusion over whether eels can be retained for weighing and measuring in competitions. In order to clarify this, the Angling Trust has produced a recommended code of practice for anglers.
The Environment Agency byelaw states that anglers are allowed to retain eels to weigh or measure them before releasing them alive into the same water on completion of fishing.
The Angling Trust recommends the measuring or weighing and immediate release of any eels in order to minimise any distress to the fish and avoid falling foul of the law.
In circumstances where eels must be retained for weighing or measuring appropriate measures should be taken to keep the eels alive, such as the use of keepnets, keepsack.
Remember, eels must be kept cool and wet, with minimum levels of water (almost none) OR have a good flow of oxygenated water.
Eels will produce lots of excess mucus when confined so change the water regularly or they will suffocate
Don’t try and remove the hook from deep-hooked eels. Cut the line as close to the hook as possible before releasing.
Anglers should be aware that it is their responsibility to keep any eels retained alive before releasing them and that any dead eel in their possession would be a criminal offence.
Before retaining any eels during a match check the rules with the organiser first.
The Angling Trust recommends all matches operate immediate release following measuring by a fellow competitor or steward.
