Conger hunt!

Heading out angling tomorow morning on the boat, will be fishing the Donegal bay area, wondering has anyone any tips on catching big conger? Whats the best trace to use, wire or heavy (250lb) mono?
Which bait, fresh mackerel or old mackerel?

Why not try pollack or coalfish? A source of food for congers thats round irish waters all year rather than a few months.

When shore fishing for conger i've had more joy with pollack or coalfish as bait. Maybe boat fishing may be different :?:

Not sure about tactics for boat fishing but for shore Conger fishing, I prefer to use heavy mono for the leaders as believe they are easier on the Conger's mouth.

Am conservation minded so this is just my preference, maybe the boating guys who have more experience will disagree.

As for hooks, I use the Cox & Rawle meat hooks - great hook.

Lee.

mono trace size 6/0 8/0 hook and makerel flapper does the trick all the time.

Never seen anyone use wire for conger before.

250 lb mono might even be a bit hefty, less you know there's a monster's mammy down there.

What beachcaster says.

Thing you have to be aware with the congers is that they often attack a bait, other times they take it very cautiously. You have to "tune in" to what they're doing and adjust your striking style accordingly, ie hit it right away or give it a bit of line and wait before you strike.

Well there is suppose to be some pretty big conger caught out here, I hear reports of 50 - over 80lb, I think that qualifies as real monsters!

you dont need to use a wire trace for conger mono line 100-150 lb. no problem,if the congers are as big as you say they are.

Mark,

Best not to use a handline eh............

stick wit a rod and reeel its easier to drag em in ......agree with pollock coalie thing as this avoids dogs as well ...prefer mono as its cheaper , not too thick though ..

Use mono but around 100lb should do. If you can get your hands on some squid give it a goo. Makes a great conger bait