That's not a consideration for us...
We usually do "catch & release"... We rarely keep any... usually only if dad want's some for breakfast...
We just like to catch them... same with bluefish... we usually just release them, unless we need a few for bait...
I'll use bluefish chunks in crab & eel traps... eels love that! better than clams or killies...
we have a local guy in Southold that will give us one smoked eel for every three live ones we bring him...
considering smoked eel is upwards of $12-$15 per lb...
it's a good deal for us, I just put a couple traps out in the evening off the dock, and have a bunch by morning...
smoked eel on a Triscut with some Cream Cheese & chives is an excellent appetizer!
