Monster conger for Barnstaple angler

38lb eel looks set to become new Bristol Channel record.

AN outstanding conger eel of 38lb and a potential new Bristol Channel record easily gave Barnstaple angler Julian Stainer victory in the North Devon League sea angling heat at the weekend.

The six foot-plus fish came from a local rock mark on a night when strong winds made fishing conditions less than ideal.

Despite its size, Julian – fishing for Barnstaple Triple Hook - said the large eel did not make a great deal of fuss once he had managed to extract it from the rocks and it was landed relatively easily.

With a specimen rating of 190% it was obviously who had won the January NDL rover, while Dave Brook of Combe martin took second with a good huss of 11lb 10 � ounces and Simon Silvester was third with a rockling of 1lb 2 �.

The next two leagues heats are: February 11/12, weigh in hosted by Rod ‘n’ Reelers at Rolle Quay, Barnstaple; March 24/25, weigh in at Bideford.

Julian’s eel looks likely to become the new Bristol Channel record, beating a previous best of just over 36lb caught in 2008.