Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Jazzdad on November 08, 2017, 09:40:55 am

Title: Eel Skin Backing
Post by: Jazzdad on November 08, 2017, 09:40:55 am

Curious if anyone has ever backed a bow with eel skin? I love the way rattlesnake and sturgeon looks but it might be easier to get eel skin.

Thanks in advance.

Jazzdad

Title: Re: Eel Skin Backing
Post by: PatM on November 08, 2017, 09:47:01 am

I have seen eelskin on a bow. It's obviously fine and just another type of smooth fish skin.
  Are you allowed to harvest Eels? Thought they were protected now. Pretty sure they are here.

Title: Re: Eel Skin Backing
Post by: Jazzdad on November 08, 2017, 10:31:23 am

In Maryland, you can harvest them Jan - Aug as long as they're at least nine inches. The daily limit is 25! Not that I would ever catch or harvest that many eels.

Thanks for the response.

Title: Re: Eel Skin Backing
Post by: Pat B on November 08, 2017, 11:26:35 am

They would work fine and if I'm correct they are pretty tough. Probably not much design if any but their dull gray would be fine for camo.
 Here in the Southeast, eels are commercially fished for food and for fish bait. We used to use them for cobia fishing in coastal SC.

Title: Re: Eel Skin Backing
Post by: GlisGlis on November 08, 2017, 02:06:49 pm

I think it could make a very good backing
apparently eel skin can be tanned and produce good leather
it's still on my to do list.

Title: Re: Eel Skin Backing
Post by: Msturm on November 08, 2017, 02:22:05 pm

I have made all kinds of things from moray eel leather here in Hawaii. I have sent a couple off to guys to back bows with. It is ridiculously strong stuff.  Skin em like a tube sock and split the skin after it is off of the eel. then proceed as normal with drying and bow backing.

Msturm

Title: Re: Eel Skin Backing
Post by: Jazzdad on November 08, 2017, 03:39:40 pm

Thanks for tips. I'm going to save the skins from the next eels I catch.