Conger Eel
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Best Bait for Conger Eel – UK Fishing Baits, Rigs & Expert Tips
Looking for the best bait for conger eel fishing in the UK? Choosing the right bait can help you target one of Britain’s strongest sea fish.
Conger eels (Conger conger) are large predators with powerful jaws and sharp teeth. They often hide among rocks, wrecks and harbour walls. However, they leave these hiding places to hunt for food, especially after dark.
Fish, squid and cuttlefish are all part of their diet. As a result, oily fish baits and large squid are popular choices.
At Squids In! SEA BAITS, we supply quality fresh and frozen sea fishing bait. We’re based in Goxhill near the River Humber. In addition, we supply anglers across the UK.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best baits for conger eel, useful rigs and night fishing tips. We’ll also look at the British shore-caught record and whether conger eels can be found in the Humber.
What Is the Best Bait for Conger Eel?
The best bait for conger eel is often mackerel, squid or a mix of the two.
Conger eels use their sense of smell to find food. Therefore, large fish baits that release plenty of scent can work very well.
For example, mackerel is rich in natural oils. Meanwhile, squid has tough flesh that stays securely on the hook.
Bluey, cuttlefish, herring and pouting are also useful choices.
Best Conger Eel Fishing Baits at a Glance
| Bait | Best Used For |
|---|---|
| Mackerel | Large conger, rough ground and night fishing |
| Whole squid | Rocky marks, wrecks and strong tides |
| Mackerel and squid | Large, strong-smelling bait cocktails |
| Bluey | Oily fish baits and deep water |
| Cuttlefish | Larger baits and rough ground |
| Herring | Oily fish strips and whole fish baits |
| Pouting | Whole fish and large conger baits |
| Whiting | Fish strips, heads and larger baits |
Although several baits can catch conger, mackerel and squid are excellent starting points. Therefore, carrying both gives you plenty of options.
1. Mackerel – One of the Best Baits for Conger Eel
Mackerel is one of the most trusted baits for conger eel fishing.
Its oily flesh releases a strong scent into the water. As a result, it can attract eels searching for food around rocks and wrecks.
You can use mackerel whole, as a fillet or as a head bait. In addition, a mackerel flapper is a popular choice for larger conger.
Why Mackerel Works for Conger Eel
- Releases plenty of natural fish oils.
- Creates a strong scent trail.
- Suitable for larger baits.
- Works well after dark.
- Useful around rocks and wrecks.
- Combines well with squid.
A mackerel head can also make a useful bait. Because it contains tough skin and bone, it can stay on the hook longer than soft fish strips.
Top tip: Cut a few slits into a large mackerel bait. This helps release scent into the water.
Shop: Browse Frozen Sea Fishing Baits
2. Squid – A Top Bait for Conger Eel Fishing
Squid is another excellent bait for conger eel.
Because squid has tough flesh, it stays on the hook during casting and in strong tides. In addition, its natural scent can attract feeding eels.
You can use whole squid or large strips. However, the bait size should match the hook and fish you’re targeting.
Why Squid Works for Conger Eel
- Tough flesh stays on the hook.
- Releases natural scent.
- Suitable for large baits.
- Useful in strong tides.
- Works around rocky ground.
- Combines well with mackerel.
Whole squid is especially useful when targeting larger conger. Meanwhile, strips can be added to fish baits.
Top tip: Try a whole squid on a strong single-hook rig. Make sure the hook point remains clear.
Shop: Unwashed Illex Squid
3. Bluey – An Oily Fish Bait for Conger Eel
Bluey, also known as Pacific saury, is a useful bait for conger eel.
It contains plenty of natural oils. Therefore, it can release a strong scent into deep or coloured water.
Bluey can be cut into large strips or sections. As a result, it’s a good alternative to mackerel.
Why Bluey Works for Conger Eel
- Contains natural fish oils.
- Releases a strong scent.
- Useful for deep-water fishing.
- Suitable for larger baits.
- Combines well with squid.
- Offers an alternative to mackerel.
Because bluey has softer flesh, bait elastic can help keep it secure.
Top tip: Leave the skin attached when preparing bluey. Then wrap it lightly with bait elastic before casting.
Shop: Explore Frozen Sea Fishing Baits
4. Cuttlefish – A Natural Conger Eel Bait
Cuttlefish is another useful bait for conger eel.
Like squid, it has firm flesh and releases natural scent. Therefore, it can work well around rocky marks and wrecks.
You can use cuttlefish whole or in larger pieces. However, a strong hook and suitable tackle are important.
Why Cuttlefish Works for Conger Eel
- Natural food source.
- Tough flesh stays on the hook.
- Useful for larger baits.
- Suitable for deep water.
- Works well around rough ground.
Cuttlefish is also useful when smaller fish are stripping softer bait from the hook.
Top tip: Try combining cuttlefish with a strip of mackerel. This gives you both a tough bait and a strong scent.
5. Herring – A Strong-Smelling Fish Bait
Herring is another oily fish bait that can catch conger eels.
Its flesh releases natural oils into the water. As a result, it can attract fish searching for food close to the seabed.
You can use herring as strips, fillets or larger sections.
Why Herring Works for Conger Eel
- Releases natural fish oils.
- Suitable for larger baits.
- Useful in deeper water.
- Can be combined with squid.
- Offers another option for night fishing.
Herring flesh can be soft. Therefore, careful bait preparation is important.
Top tip: Keep the skin attached and use bait elastic to secure larger strips.
6. Pouting – A Whole Fish Bait for Conger Eel
Pouting are small sea fish that conger eels may feed on naturally.
Because conger hunt around wrecks and rocky ground, whole fish baits can be effective.
Pouting can be used whole or in sections, depending on size.
Why Pouting Works for Conger Eel
- Natural prey in some conger habitats.
- Suitable for larger bait presentations.
- Useful around wrecks.
- Can be fished whole.
- Offers an alternative to oily fish baits.
Top tip: Use a strong hook and secure the bait carefully. Always use legally obtained bait fish.
7. Whiting – Another Useful Fish Bait for Conger
Whiting can also be used as bait for conger eel.
These fish are found in many UK coastal waters. Therefore, they may form part of a conger’s natural diet.
Whiting can be cut into fillets or larger sections. In addition, smaller fish can be used whole where suitable.
Why Whiting Works for Conger Eel
- Natural fish bait.
- Suitable for larger presentations.
- Can be used whole or in sections.
- Useful around deep water.
- Offers an alternative to mackerel.
Top tip: Use a strong hook and keep the point exposed. This helps when a conger takes the bait.
Best Bait Cocktail for Conger Eel
A mackerel and squid cocktail is one of the best bait combinations for conger eel.
The mackerel releases natural oils, while the squid helps hold the bait together. As a result, the finished bait is both strong-smelling and tough.
How to Make a Mackerel and Squid Cocktail
- Cut a thick strip of mackerel.
- Leave the skin attached.
- Add a large strip of squid.
- Place both baits on a strong hook.
- Secure them with bait elastic if needed.
- Leave the hook point exposed.
The finished bait should be large enough to attract conger but still easy to present.
Top tip: Don’t cover the hook point with bait. A clear hook point is important when targeting fish with powerful jaws.
How to Make a Mackerel Flapper for Conger Eel
A mackerel flapper is a classic bait for larger conger eels.
It uses much of a whole fish while exposing more flesh. Therefore, it releases plenty of scent into the water.
How to Prepare a Mackerel Flapper
- Choose a suitable whole mackerel.
- Carefully cut along both sides of the backbone.
- Remove the main backbone section.
- Leave the head and two side fillets attached.
- Secure the bait on a strong hook.
- Make sure the hook point remains exposed.
The two fillets can move in the tide. In addition, the exposed flesh releases natural scent.
Top tip: Use a sharp knife and prepare the bait on a stable surface. Keep your fingers clear of the blade.
Where Is the Best Place to Catch Conger Eel?
Conger eels prefer areas with plenty of shelter.
They often live among rocks, wrecks, harbour walls and deep gullies. During the day, they may stay hidden in holes and cracks.
However, they often leave these places to feed after dark.
Rocky Shorelines
Rocky shorelines are among the best places to target conger.
Look for deep water close to shore. In addition, rocky gullies and ledges can hold feeding fish.
Mackerel and squid are excellent bait choices.
Harbour Walls
Harbour walls can provide shelter for conger eels.
Large stones and gaps in the structure create hiding places. Therefore, fishing close to the wall can be effective.
Piers and Breakwaters
Older piers and breakwaters may hold conger where there are deep gaps and rocky areas.
Because these fish often live close to cover, long casts aren’t always needed.
Offshore Wrecks
Wrecks provide shelter for fish and other sea creatures.
As a result, they can attract large conger eels.
Boat anglers often target these areas with whole fish and squid baits.
Top tip: Fish close to suitable cover, but be ready to reel in quickly. A hooked conger may try to return to its hiding place.
Best Conger Eel Fishing Rigs
Conger eels are powerful fish with sharp teeth.
Therefore, strong tackle is essential, especially around rocky ground.
Short-Range Conger Rig
A short-range conger rig is a popular choice for fishing close to rocks and harbour walls.
It usually uses a strong single hook and a heavy trace. In addition, a weak link can help release a trapped lead.
Running Ledger Rig
A running ledger allows the eel to move with the bait.
This can help when conger are feeding carefully. However, the rig must be strong enough for the fish and fishing ground.
Rotten-Bottom Rig
A rotten-bottom rig uses a weaker line to hold the lead.
If the lead becomes trapped, the weaker link can break. As a result, you may be able to recover the rest of your tackle.
Boat Conger Rig
Boat anglers often use short, strong traces when fishing wrecks.
Because conger can quickly return to cover, the tackle needs to handle heavy pressure.
What Size Hooks Are Best for Conger Eel?
Many anglers use strong hooks around 6/0 to 10/0 for larger conger.
Heavy wire or very strong, abrasion-resistant monofilament is also commonly used for the trace.
However, tackle strength should match the fishing mark and target fish.
For a detailed example, see the British Sea Fishing Short-Range Conger Rig.
Is Night Fishing Best for Conger Eel?
Night fishing is often one of the best ways to catch conger eel.
These fish commonly spend daylight hours hiding among rocks and wrecks.
As darkness falls, they may leave their shelter to hunt. Therefore, evening and night sessions can be very productive.
Night Fishing Tips
- Choose a safe and familiar fishing mark.
- Check the tide before setting up.
- Use strong-smelling fish baits.
- Carry a reliable head torch.
- Keep spare rigs ready.
- Use a secure rod rest.
- Never fish dangerous rocky marks alone.
Conger can pull hard when they take a bait. For this reason, always secure your rod and use a suitable reel setting.
Top tip: Watch for small knocks followed by a stronger pull. However, don’t give a hooked conger too much time to return to its hiding place.
Best Tide for Conger Eel Fishing
Tides can affect how conger eels feed.
Moving water carries bait scent across the seabed. Therefore, tidal movement can help fish find your bait.
Rising Tide
A rising tide may allow conger to move into rocky gullies and shallow feeding areas.
In addition, it can bring food closer to shore.
High Water
High water can be productive at some harbour and rock marks.
However, the best stage of the tide depends on the location.
Falling Tide
Conger may continue feeding as the tide falls.
Therefore, deeper water and rocky edges can still be worth fishing.
Top tip: Keep a record of successful tides. Over time, this can help you find the best conditions at each mark.
When Is the Best Time to Catch Conger Eel in the UK?
Conger eels can be caught throughout the year in suitable areas.
However, summer and autumn are often popular times for shore fishing.
Spring – March to May
Conger may become more active as coastal waters warm.
Mackerel and squid are useful choices. In addition, night fishing can work well.
Summer – June to August
Summer can offer excellent conger fishing.
Evening and night sessions are popular. Therefore, rocky marks and harbour walls are worth considering.
Autumn – September to November
Autumn can also be productive for conger eel.
Mackerel, bluey and squid remain good bait choices. Meanwhile, larger fish baits may help when targeting bigger eels.
Winter – December to February
Conger can still be caught in winter.
However, some shore marks may produce fewer fish. For this reason, local catch reports can be useful.
Fresh vs Frozen Bait for Conger Eel
Both fresh and frozen bait can catch conger eel.
However, bait quality and storage are important.
Advantages of Fresh Bait
- Natural scent.
- Useful for preparing whole fish baits.
- Popular for larger bait presentations.
Advantages of Frozen Bait
- Easy to store.
- Convenient for future trips.
- Available in several bait types.
- Useful for keeping spare bait ready.
Because conger feed heavily by scent, oily fish and squid are good choices.
At Squids In! SEA BAITS, we supply frozen sea fishing bait to help anglers prepare for their next session.
Browse Our Frozen Sea Fishing Baits
UK Shore-Caught Conger Eel Record – How Big Can They Grow?
The British shore-caught conger eel record is 68 lb 8 oz (31.071 kg).
Martin Larkins caught this huge conger at Devil’s Point, Plymouth, Devon, in 1991, according to the British Conger Club’s historical record list.
This remains one of the most impressive catches in British shore fishing.
Although conger can grow much larger in offshore waters, most shore-caught fish are smaller.
Even so, a conger weighing more than 20 lb is an exciting catch for many shore anglers.
Large conger feed on fish, squid and other sea creatures. Therefore, whole mackerel, fish heads and squid are popular choices when targeting bigger eels.
For record information, visit the British Record Fish Committee.
Can You Catch Conger Eel in the River Humber?
Conger eels can occur along the eastern coast of Britain, but they are not a regular target species in the inner River Humber.
These fish prefer rocky areas, wrecks and structures with deep hiding places.
The inner Humber has large areas of mud, sand and strong tidal channels. As a result, much of the estuary is less suitable for conger than rocky coastal marks.
Are Conger Eels Found Near the Humber?
Conger eels occur in the North Sea, although they are generally less common along Britain’s east coast than around western and southern shores.
However, this does not mean every North Sea fishing mark holds conger.
Rocky areas and wrecks are more likely to provide suitable shelter.
Can You Catch Conger Eel at Goxhill?
Goxhill is a well-known fishing area on the southern bank of the Humber.
However, conger eel are not a regular reported catch from this part of the estuary.
Anglers are more likely to target species such as flounder, whiting and seasonal codling.
What About East Halton Skitter?
East Halton Skitter offers access to the Humber’s tidal waters.
Although several sea fish species can be caught here, conger are not commonly reported.
Therefore, it would not be a reliable first choice for targeting them.
Can You Catch Conger at Grimsby?
Grimsby has harbour structures and access to deeper water.
Such areas may offer more shelter than open mudflats. However, regular conger catches from accessible Grimsby shore marks are not well established.
For this reason, anglers should check recent local reports rather than assume conger are present.
What About the Outer Humber?
The outer Humber connects with the North Sea, where conger eels can occur.
Offshore wrecks and suitable rocky areas may provide better habitat than the inner estuary.
However, local catch records are needed before treating any particular mark as a reliable conger location.
Where Should You Fish for Conger Eel in the UK?
For a better chance of catching conger, consider areas known for rocky ground and regular catches.
Popular regions include:
- Devon and Cornwall.
- South Wales.
- North Wales.
- Dorset.
- The Channel Islands.
- Parts of western Scotland.
These areas contain rocky reefs, harbour walls and deep-water marks.
Best Bait to Try for Conger Eel
The most useful baits include:
- Mackerel: A top choice for larger conger.
- Squid: Tough flesh that stays on the hook.
- Bluey: An oily fish bait.
- Mackerel and squid cocktails: A strong-smelling combination.
- Cuttlefish: Useful for larger presentations.
- Herring: Another natural fish bait.
At Squids In! SEA BAITS, we’re based in Goxhill near the River Humber. Although conger are uncommon in the inner estuary, we supply baits suitable for targeting them around the UK.
For information about fish found in our local waters, read our River Humber Fish Species Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Conger Eel Fishing
What Is the Number One Bait for Conger Eel?
Mackerel is one of the best baits for conger eel. However, squid and mackerel-and-squid cocktails are also excellent choices.
Is Squid Good Bait for Conger Eel?
Yes. Squid is an excellent bait because its tough flesh stays on the hook. In addition, it releases natural scent.
Is Bluey Good for Conger Eel?
Yes. Bluey contains natural oils that release scent into the water. Therefore, it is a useful alternative to mackerel.
What Is the Best Bait Cocktail for Conger Eel?
Mackerel and squid is a popular combination. The mackerel provides scent, while the squid helps keep the bait together.
Is Night Fishing Best for Conger Eel?
Night fishing is often very effective. Because conger commonly leave their hiding places after dark, evening and night sessions are popular.
What Size Hooks Should I Use for Conger Eel?
Many anglers use strong hooks around 6/0 to 10/0. However, the best size depends on the bait and target fish.
Do Conger Eels Live Around Rocks?
Yes. Conger often hide among rocks, wrecks and harbour structures. Therefore, these areas are good places to target them.
Can You Catch Conger Eel From a Pier?
Yes. Some piers and harbour walls hold conger, especially where there are deep gaps and rocky areas.
Do You Need to Cast Far for Conger Eel?
Not always. In fact, conger often live close to rocks and harbour walls. Therefore, short casts can be very effective.
Can You Catch Conger Eel in the River Humber?
Conger are not a regular catch in the inner Humber. However, they occur in the wider North Sea, where suitable rocky and wreck habitats may hold them.
What Is the UK Shore-Caught Conger Eel Record?
The British shore-caught record is 68 lb 8 oz (31.071 kg). Martin Larkins caught the fish at Devil’s Point, Plymouth, in 1991, according to the British Conger Club.
Are Conger Eels Dangerous?
Conger have strong jaws and sharp teeth. Therefore, anglers should keep their hands away from the mouth and use suitable tools when removing hooks.
Responsible Conger Eel Fishing in the UK
Conger eels are powerful fish, so careful handling is important.
When landing a conger, support its body properly. In addition, avoid placing your hands near its mouth.
Use suitable unhooking tools and keep the fish under control.
If you’re returning a conger, keep it out of the water for as little time as possible.
Always check current local fishing rules before keeping any fish.
For more information about conger eel fishing, visit the British Sea Fishing Conger Guide.
Buy Quality Conger Eel Fishing Bait Online at Squids In! SEA BAITS
Whether you’re fishing a rocky shoreline, harbour wall or offshore wreck, having the right bait gives you more options.
At Squids In! SEA BAITS, we supply quality natural sea fishing baits, including squid, mackerel, bluey and other frozen fish baits.
We’re based in Goxhill near the River Humber. In addition, we supply anglers throughout the UK.
Get your bait ready for your next conger eel fishing session.
Explore River Humber Fish Species
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