eels are the third choice most place i know of......fresh shad is best.....thats what they eat everyday.......then second live panfish like bluegill ......try eels thirdly....but at 2 or 3 bucks a piece you wont buy very many !! in Va over 1/2 the bait shops carry them because eels at the right time of the year are number 1 for stripers -