- Specimens recorded
- 104 (2000–2025)
- Years on record
- 1999–2025
- Top venue by specimens
- Red Bay
- Current specimen threshold
- 18.14kg (40lb 0oz)
- Irish record
- 32.66kg (72lb 0oz)
Conger Eel in Ireland
Conger Eel (Conger conger) is Ireland's largest eel species and one of its most formidable sea predators — a heavily-built, powerful fish found around wrecks, reefs, and harbour structure, capable of growing to serious size. Conger fishing has a dedicated following among boat anglers targeting wrecks specifically for the species.
Conger are almost entirely nocturnal or low-light feeders in open water, though they can be caught at any hour when fished directly over or into their den among wreckage or rock.
The species' raw strength and tendency to bury back into structure the instant it's hooked makes conger one of the more physically demanding fish to land in Irish waters.
When Conger Eel Fish in Ireland
ISFC specimens are fairly evenly spread across June, July, and August — a summer peak consistent with the wreck-fishing boat trips that account for most serious conger targeting in Ireland.
Based on ISFC specimen records — reflects where anglers fish and submit claims, not necessarily where the species is most abundant.
Where Conger Eel Fish Best
Venue rankings below come from ratified specimen submissions, not scientific stock surveys — popular, well-fished venues will always show more specimens than remote or lightly-fished ones holding the same fish.
Red Bay, Courtmacsherry, and Cork Harbour lead the specimen record, with Kinsale and Crosshaven also contributing — a mix of Antrim and Cork marks reflecting good wreck and harbour structure fishing around both coasts.
See every fishing.ie venue for conger eel — ISFC-ranked or not — in the full directory below.
Size and Specimens
Conger are capable of reaching serious weights, and the gap between the current specimen threshold and the Irish record reflects just how large the biggest individuals can grow.
Based on ISFC specimen and threshold records — reflects where anglers fish and submit claims, not necessarily where the species is most abundant.
How to Catch Conger Eel
Bottom-fished fresh mackerel or squid, fished hard on wreck or reef structure with strong tackle and a heavy trace, is the standard method for boat conger.
Getting a hooked conger clear of the wreck immediately, with sustained pressure from the first moment, is essential — congers that make it back into structure are almost impossible to extract.
Harbour walls and pier structure at night can also produce good conger for shore anglers, using similarly robust tackle to boat methods.
Given the species' strength and sharp teeth, a wire or heavy trace and careful handling at the net or gaff are essential practice.
Rules and Conservation
No state licence is required for sea angling from shore or boat in the Republic of Ireland.
No licence is required for sea angling in Northern Ireland — DAERA rod licences apply to freshwater and game/coarse fishing, not sea fishing.
Conger Eel Venues in Ireland
9 more waters with ISFC specimens (not yet on fishing.ie)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a specimen conger eel in Ireland?
The current ISFC threshold is 18.144kg (40lb) — a serious, powerful fish given conger's raw strength.
Best time of year for conger?
Summer, roughly evenly spread June through August, based on the ISFC specimen record.
Where's the best conger fishing in Ireland?
Red Bay in Antrim and Courtmacsherry and Cork Harbour in Cork lead the specimen record.
Do I need a licence for conger fishing?
No — sea angling from shore or boat doesn't require a licence in Ireland.