Reproductive Migrations of American Eels in Georgia

Information on silver American eels was obtained over a three-year period from seasonal sampling of 4 Georgia rivers, commercial fishermen, and from systematic sampling of eels migrating from a pond. All silver eels were captured from October through March. Of 80 animals examined, 73 were male and averaged 329mm, 69 g, and 5.5 years. Seven females averaged 584 mm, 448 g, and 8.6 years. These findings suggest that silver eels leave Georgia waters later in the year and at younger ages and smaller sizes than eels at more northerly latitudes.