Eel fishing may seem like a niche or obscure topic in modern times, but during the medieval period, eels were a surprisingly vital resource that significantly impacted local and regional economies throughout Europe. This slimy, serpentine fish was more than just a food source; it was a cornerstone of commerce, taxation, and daily life for many communities. This article explores the historical importance of eel fishing in the Middle Ages, detailing how eels helped drive economic activity and shaped medieval societies.

The Biological and Ecological Context of Eels

Before delving into the economic aspects, it is important to understand the biology of eels, particularly the European eel (Anguilla anguilla), which was the most common species exploited in medieval Europe. Eels have a unique life cycle, spawning in the Sargasso Sea in the western Atlantic Ocean and migrating thousands of miles to European rivers and lakes where they grow and mature.

Their adaptability to both fresh and brackish water environments allowed them to thrive in rivers, wetlands, and estuaries—habitats common throughout medieval Europe. This ecological versatility made eels widely accessible to fishing communities across England, France, the Low Countries, and parts of Germany.

Eels as a Staple Food in Medieval Diets

Fish played a crucial role in the medieval diet, particularly for religious and economic reasons. The Catholic Church’s rules on fasting and abstinence from meat on Fridays and during Lent created a constant demand for fish. Eels were especially popular because they were abundant, easy to catch, and rich in fat and nutrients.

Eel fishing methods were varied, ranging from traps and nets to spearing and longlines. In England, for example, “eel bucks” or woven traps were widely used on rivers and estuaries. Villages often had communal rights to eel fisheries, and eel catches could supplement the diets of peasants, fishermen, and urban dwellers alike. shutdown123