Trolling Sandeel

Hey guys I need some help with trolling sandeel. Had a wee session last week but had no confidence that by the time my rigs had hit the water, the sandeels where still attached. Every time I retrieved my tackle the eel was gone. My basic setup is a trolling weight to a 2' trace with a size 1/0 hook attached. The sandeel is hooked through the lower jaw and out through the top of the head. I know I'm doing something wrong so any tips would be helpful. :cry:

I tend to cut off the head (just behind the eyes) and feed the Sandeel onto the hook to about two thirds down its body and secure with some bait elastic.

works for me :oops:

thread the eel and elasticate as jonny said, sandeels are too soft to cast in the way you described

Pass the hook through the sandeels mouth and out through its gill, pull the hook through and nick in the eels back about halfway down then lash it on with bait elastic. Snip the tail fin off to prevent twisting and you're sorted. I can cast and retrieve that over a hundred yards without issues.

Thanks guys, I'll try those idea next time I'm out trolling. Hopefully I won't feel like just chucking the unopened packets straight into the sea to save time and effort, I know I did last time.

I would nearly be inclined to use an artificial to b honest. either a rubber eel or a sinking plug. will look more natural and scent isnt that important when trolling as you clip along at 6 knots