I've caught a few of those eels myself
They are always a challenge to get off the hook, but they make great bait for big bass! Used live eel in about 50 ft of water, drift fishing at the Race to catch some beauties.
Will give you a yell when the blues are up the river. When they are running you can usually pick up a few on chunks of bunker over at Caswell Cove, especially at night.