The Historical Roots of Dropping Eels from a Kayak
The tradition of dropping eels from a kayak has deep roots, especially in shallow waters where striped bass and other predators frequent. In the past, live or dead eels were used in tandem with weights to reach the bottom, and anglers would slowly drift or anchor over structure. Kaykers would have an edge with a quiet approach allowed for stealth, which often led to excellent results when fishing over rocks or sandbars where fish congregated.
However, using dead or live eels from a kayak came with challenges—keeping the bait alive, dealing with slimy dead eels, and the difficulty of accurately presenting the bait in the strike zone without tangles or miscasts. Soft plastic eels, like the Hogy Skinny Surf Eel, eliminate these issues while providing better control over your presentation.
Two Approaches:
Tactical Drifting: Drifting over structure is a great way to target gamefish that are keyed in on baitfish that are associated with the area. This simple technique can be achieved by reading your boat drift before positioning your boat ahead of bottom structure and allowing wind and current drift the boat over the structure. Once you calculated your drift trajectory (in this case over shallow water structure you have identified) Position “upstream” and make your tactical drift.
Tip: Do not run over the structure you intend to fish when setting up a new drift. Especially in shallow water.
There are two types of structure:
1. Specific structure with a small radius of peak fishing and
2. A wide, highly structured area. This will dictate whether you are going to make long drifts or short drifts.
Search and Drop: When in waters between 20 to 40 feet, especially when you're targeting fish marked on your fish finder, the search and drop technique with the 1.5oz Hogy Skinny Surf Eel is an incredibly effective method. This approach allows you to directly target fish holding near the bottom or suspended above structure, combining the precision of modern technology with the time-tested effectiveness of a well-rigged eel lure. With a fish finder at your side, you're able to spot fish either holding on structure or cruising and a specific area with precision.
Here's how to execute the search and drop method effectively:
Scan for Targets: Use your fish finder to locate structure or schools of fish. Pay special attention to fish holding just above the bottom or suspended near rocks and ledges. Stripers and other species often hold tight to structure, waiting for baitfish or eels to pass by.
Position Your Kayak: Once you've identified a target, position your kayak directly over or slightly up-current from the spot. One of the key advantages of kayak fishing is the ability to quietly position yourself with minimal disturbance to the fish.
Drop the Eel: Once in position, drop your 1.5oz Hogy Skinny Surf Eel straight down. The 1.5oz weight ensures a rapid descent, so it reaches the fish quickly without getting swept away in the current. Let it fall to the bottom, or to the depth where fish are holding, while keeping an eye on the line to detect any sudden hits on the drop.
Technique Deep Dive:
Lift and Drop Motion: Once at the target depth, begin working the lure in a controlled lift-and-drop motion. Slowly lift the rod tip about a foot or two, then let the lure fall back down under controlled slack. The combination of the eel’s fluttering action and the swimming tin creates an enticing wobble that mimics a natural baitfish or eel in distress.
Pause on the Drop: Many strikes occur on the drop, so it's important to maintain tension on the line and be ready for a hit as the lure descends. Fish often ambush the lure as it flutters down, thinking it's an injured prey.
Keep the Lure in the Strike Zone: When targeting fish just off the bottom, it’s critical to keep the lure in the strike zone for as long as possible. Slow, deliberate movements are often more effective than fast retrieves, especially in cooler water or when fish are less aggressive.
Tips for Success with the Search and Drop Approach
Watch for Bites on the Drop: As with jigging, fish often strike while the lure is falling. Keeping a semi-tight line helps detect these subtle hits and ensures a quicker hookset.
Current Consideration: In moderate to strong current, consider positioning up-current of the fish and letting the current carry your lure naturally into the target zone. This gives the presentation a more natural flow, as if a wounded baitfish is being swept along with the tide.
Kayak Positioning: Positioning is critical, especially in windy conditions. Use a stakeout pole or anchor if needed to hold yourself steady over the fish without spooking them with excess paddling or drifting.
Hookset Awareness: When using soft plastics, ensure that your hookset is firm but not too aggressive. The plastic provides some resistance, so a steady hookset will drive the hook into the fish without pulling it out of the strike zone too quickly.
The Benefits of Using the Hogy Skinny Surf Eel
The Hogy Skinny Surf Eel offers several advantages for the search and drop technique:
Durability: Unlike live or dead eels, the Hogy Skinny Surf Eel is reusable and holds up well to repeated hits. It's tough enough to handle multiple catches, saving you time and effort.
Ease of Use: With its rigged version, the 1.5oz lure is easy to handle, perfect for the rapid drop and quick re-rigging. The hook design ensures a clean presentation and secure hookset.
Natural Action: The combination of the eel’s soft plastic body and the swimming tin's subtle wobble gives it a natural, irresistible action that mimics prey fish or eels in distress—perfect for enticing stripers in shallow, rocky areas.
Fishing with the Hogy Skinny Surf Eel “on the drop” from a kayak in shallow waters is a modern, efficient twist on a time-tested method. With the ability to precisely target fish using your fish finder and drop the lure right into their zone, you’re combining the best of both worlds—old-school techniques and cutting-edge technology. This search and drop method is a must-try for kayak anglers looking to increase their success in 20 to feet of water or less, especially when targeting striped bass and other predatory fish around boulders or structure.
