Scientific name
Anguilla anguilla
Swedish name
Ål
Maximum length
up to 130 cm
Maximum weight
up to 6 kg
Spawning
Sargassosee, nach jahrelanger Wanderung
Swedish record
Nicht relevant — gezieltes Angeln ist untersagt

Technique in brief

Because targeted fishing for eel is not permitted, we deliberately do not describe any fishing methods here. Anyone who hooks an eel while fishing for other species should unhook it in the water and release it immediately. If the hook has been swallowed deeply, the line should be cut just above the mouth — this is the gentler solution for the fish.

Tackle

No tackle for targeted fishing. The only practical consideration is preparation for bycatch: side cutters for cutting the line and a damp cloth to make it possible to hold the fish without harming it.

Handling the catch

Eels are slippery and writhe vigorously; dry hands or gripping them with a towel removes the mucus layer and harms the fish. Hold it briefly, free it in the water, release it immediately — and do not retain the catch.

Where in Scandinavia

Official sources

Checked: 04.08.2026

Frequently asked questions

May you fish for eel in Sweden?

Generally, no. Recreational fishing for eel at sea has been prohibited since 2007, and a fishing prohibition also applies inland, with narrowly limited exceptions for individual freshwater areas and holders of a special authorisation.

What should I do if I accidentally catch an eel?

Release it immediately and, if possible, while it is still in the water. If the hook is lodged deeply, cut the line just above the mouth instead of trying to extract the hook.

Why, then, is eel included in your lists of waters?

The species list describes which fish are present in the water. It says nothing about which species may be fished for — that is governed solely by the rules of the fishing area and the authorities.