conger Gear..

Hey all, I've been havin trouble shifting some larger shore conger with my standard gear, Stiff pier rods, abu ambassaduer mutliplier and such.. i've caught straps to 8lb on em, but of late, i've hooked some genuine sea beasts that i can feel moving about, then go to ground and cause me to pull for a break.. I'm looking to gettin some conger aimed battle gear but can afford 100euro tops for rod and reel...any recommendations????

daire

are you fishing in the rocks or in the sand just beyond them?
don't use heavy weights that will sink in the rocks! tie the weight on lighter line helps.
tackle will be lost if they go deep in the rocks.
i try fishing just out a bit to tease them out.
been a while since i tried but have been pushing my mates to do a conger session.
i'll keep ya posted.
i do remember long scraps and, loosing tackle. the joys of conger fishing:)
hope i'm not insulting yer fishing skills but your gear is grand.

I'm highly insulted!!
nah, Not really.. I've used this gear for em in the past, but just looking for somethin a bit beefier to go after bigger lads, I want to top at least 20lb for starters, then upwards and beyond... Problem with last spot was it was very rough round, at the base of an ancient pier, plenty of crags and holes for em to hide in on me...

id use a 20-30lb boat rod, so you can bully them away from the rough ground,and use strong mainline as well.the only problem with this setup is you will not get as good a fight out of the fish.ive used a salt mpv, a pier rod but with 50lb mainline on the reel so i can bully them and still get a good fight on the rod,but the biggest ive caught is only 10lb plus

Daire, I hope you are not insulted when I'm adding my 2 cents worth to the above too

Night fishing can be fun if done safely, it's best to go with another fellow angler or at least let someone know where you are going. I highly recommend a Floatation suit or some form of a life aid plus it pays to carry a mobile phone sealed up in a plastic water tight bag. Pick a mark that you are very familiar with, one that you can map in your head in the dark so to speak.
A good night fishing session compromises of two things: one, not blanking and two safety

For Big Conger Fishing look to using the stiffest Beachcasters you can get hold of, along the lines of a Conoflex Highlander or a light boat rod. Use the minimum of 40lb mainline with 80lb+Shock Leader and a good quality Multiplier. When night fishing, beef up the tackle. 60+lb rig body, 30+lb Amnesia trace line for bottom fishing or 250lb mono for conger traces minimum.
Keep your rigs dead simple i.e. running ledger.

For bait Mackerel is a killer at night, also Squid is very productive. Be prepared to try out different baits depending on your area and what you are targeting. Some to try out are Sandeel, Ragworm and Peeler Crab. Pouting is said to be a top conger bait , never got to try it myself though. Baits that fish poorly during the day can be amazing at night.

Good luck with your monster conger session and stay safe
Martin.

ah I always take safety first, tis paramount...

I've a good few lads, hel, i've even caught straps on float rigs for wrasse, which was fun to say the least.. Just was wonderin if ppl use boat rods or are happy with their beachcasters for the task at hand..
i know why I lost the last few hoors I hooked inot- mainline was only 20lb.. aas I had not intended targetin them, but the chance arose so I took a shot... Gonna get a reel loaded with 50lb for when I go after them in donegal next monnth....

and no offence taken.