Conger

Conger eels are prevalent all around the coast of Britain and are of the largest breed of eels of which can grow in excess of 7ft and up too 350lb although largest shore U.K catches are abound the 68lb mark. Congers are so successful most likely as they scavenge and hunt prey not being particular what they eat. When you catch congers beware of the teeth in the mouth and have a rag handy as they have slimy mucus covering them which can get all over you when handling them. Small eels are normally called strap eels and smaller still bootlace eels.

Rigs:
Pulley rig or pulley Pennell heavy line 80-100lb rig body line & hook length, 8/0 hooks.(rough ground)

Running ledger 80- 100lb rig body line & hook length, 8/0 hooks.

Clipped down paternoster 80- 100lb rig body line & hook length, 8/0 hooks.

Bait:
Mackerel/Herring: Whole mackerel or herring with tail chopped off in a variety of ways you can score the sides, or make two baits and turn into flappers which are effective as they waft the scent and oils around.

Squid: Large squid baits whole and whipped up leaving tentacles free to move as an attractant.

Old fish/rotting baits: Any old fish baits you may have put on whole and these can be pretty effective as they scavenge fresh bait is not always the key with congers.

Live bait: live Fish hooked though the lower jaw the best being Rockling, Whiting, Pouting

Cuttlefish: Whole cuttlefish with back bone removed whipped up like squid with tentacles free moving around.

Grounds:
Whilst you can catch conger anywhere normally you will find them on reef systems or rocky areas that be snaggy so whatever rig your choosing you may want to rotten bottom it and take some old leads. Night time can be better for congers as they tend to hunt more but can be caught during the day too.