Medieval English laws categorized eels by size. The most common types were:
Pimper (small)
Shaft (medium)
Stub (big)

There were also 'red eels' which were likely diseased. Customs officers threw them out. Which is weird, 'cause we'd think that the shaft eels were bad mother...

It still tickles me to get mail addressed to “Dr. Greenlee”

I got into eel history by studying the Dutch eel ships on the Thames. We don't generally remember them much now, but they were there from the c.1470 - 1938.

They used to be low-key famous, even appearing in Nicolas Sarony's 1929 cigarette card collection, 'Ships of All Ages.'

I feel personally attacked.

Your daily reminder that metaphors are lies.

“Shut the fuck up, Cecil!”

The day is closing
And the setting sun tells me
That it’s bourbon time

Oh yes. Very true. And someone needs to draw them.

Someone who loves eels…

Today’s bonus content: an interview with the incomparable Surprised Eel Historian, PhD!
Join us as we learn about eels, their economic value, and their cultural history.

Find John’s work at Dr. John Wyatt Greenleehttps://www.jwgreenlee.netJohn Wyatt Greenlee

shows.acast.com/eelers-choice

Congrats! You've caught a big, fat eel! But you're not ready to eat it yet. Where do you put it?

Not in your fishpond; it can leave overland whenever it wants.

What you need, friend, is a fishlock: a box w/ holes to let you keep your eel alive in the water until you're ready.

Crossed the 50k threshold last night. Our little pod is still finding its audience but numbers grow every week. Thank you to everyone who continues to be part of #HATM ❤️

And if you’re finding this pod now, here are five episodes that you should know below ⬇️

Small eel in the shallows from a recent shoot, if you don't move to much they can be quite inquisitive creatures.

Look at this fat bastard, trying to stare me down.

It's Monday. Might as well trudge with me Thomas Lecaque Surprised Eel Historian, PhD Anna Fore Waymack waymack.bsky.social. #HATM

Earlier in the week the weather was nice and springlike.

This morning saw two inches of snow. I object.