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Various baits
Fresh mackerel, sardines, herring, cuttlefish, squid, as well as other fish such as horse mackerel, sandeel, garfish, and even some crabs and shellfish such as razor clams, are among the most recommended baits.It's important to use fresh bait, as its scent diffuses better in the water and attracts conger eels from further away. Bait pieces should be large enough to force the conger eel to grasp them, which facilitates hooking and reduces the risk of unhooking. We also recommend tying baits, especially oily fish, so that they hold better on the hook during casting and in the water.
Some anglers also use live fish as bait (sauper, bugger, pout, mackerel), which further enhances their attractiveness. Cephalopods are prized for their resistance to attack and their powerful scent, perceptible even in the dark.
Live bait or dead bait?
When choosing between live and dead bait for conger eel fishing, you need to consider several factors related to fish behavior, fishing conditions and practicality.
Benefits of live bait
- Live bait, such as fresh fish (saupe, bugfish, pout, mackerel), has a natural attraction due to its movement and odor, which stimulates conger eels, especially in turbid or cold water.
- They are most effective when visibility is poor, as conger eels can detect scent and movement.
- Ideal for situations where keys need to be released quickly.
Advantages of dead bait
- Dead bait (oily fish such as mackerel, sardines, herring, cephalopods such as cuttlefish or squid) emits powerful scents over a greater distance, attracting conger eels even from a distance.
- They are more resistant and hold better on the hook, allowing longer fights and preventing the bait from being quickly eaten or lost.
- More convenient to store, prepare and use in quantity, especially for night fishing or surfcasting.
Choice according to context
For inshore or shore fishing, live bait may be preferred for its liveliness and for fishing in complicated areas with lots of snags.
When fishing from boats on wrecks or riprap, large, fragrant dead baits are recommended to attract conger eels from a distance.
In any case, fresh bait, live or dead, is essential to maximize effectiveness. Often, anglers combine both types of bait depending on the situation and their resources.
Live baits are more effective at attracting conger eels in turbid or cold water through movement and scent, while dead baits, especially oily fish and cephalopods, give off a powerful scent and hold better on the hook, which is convenient for longer fights and fishing.
