eelsüüteküünlad

Eelsüüteküünlad, translating to "eel bait candles" in English, are a traditional method for catching eels in certain regions, particularly in Estonia. These are not actual candles made of wax but rather specific types of bait, often prepared and presented in a way that resembles a candle or a cylindrical form.

The primary ingredient for eelsüüteküünlad is typically fish, often smaller fish like roach or perch, which are known to attract eels. These fish are prepared, sometimes by mincing or grinding, and then mixed with other attractants such as blood or specific spices. The mixture is then packed tightly into a cylindrical shape, often using a natural casing like a fish's stomach or intestine, or sometimes a more modern material. This cylindrical form is the origin of the "candle" analogy.

When deployed, these eelsüüteküünlad are attached to fishing lines and lowered into the water, usually in areas where eels are known to inhabit, such as riverbeds or the coast. The scent released from the bait attracts the eels, which then take the bait. This method is a passive fishing technique, relying on the eel's predatory instincts and sense of smell. While effective, it is a labor-intensive method of bait preparation and is less common with the advent of modern fishing lures and baits. It remains a part of local fishing heritage in some areas.