Saltwater · Warm months, May to October; almost entirely a night fishery

Daggertooth Pike Conger

Muraenesox cinereus

A fearsome Indo-Pacific eel of reefs, piers and breakwaters that hunts after dark. Its dagger teeth demand respect: it is fine eating, but must always be handled with pliers and gloves, never bare hands. In Japan the hamo is a summer emblem of the Kansai region, caught in Osaka Bay and the Kii Channel and famous for the bone-cutting skill its preparation demands.

Seasons · Peak

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Daggertooth Pike Conger — Photo: James Lin, CC BY 3.0 — Wikimedia Commons

Identifying features

Very long, snake-like silvery body with no scales and a pointed tail
Large pike-like head with a protruding lower jaw full of visible dagger teeth
Dorsal and anal fins continuous with the tail fin, edged dark
Eyes large and round; skin smooth and slimy like a freshwater eel
No pelvic fins; pectoral fins present behind the head

Habits

Nocturnal predator of fish, squid and crustaceans around reefs and harbour structure
Hides in holes and under rocks by day, roaming open bottom at night
Bites savagely and twists on the line — wire leaders are essential
Common around East and South China Sea piers and breakwaters in summer
Dangerous to handle: jaws keep snapping after landing — use pliers and gloves

Distribution

Regional coverage expanding

Where to find them

Pier and breakwater corners after dark
Reef edges near harbour entrances
Boat marks over rough ground in 30-80 ft

Where they live

Reefs and rough ground around piers and breakwatersSandy-mud channels near harbour mouthsRocky island shores of the East and South China Seas

How to catch them

Heavy night ledgering Boat

Rig: Heavy running-sinker rig on a wire leader, whole fish strips cast to reef edges at night

Bait/lure: Whole small fish, mackerel strips

Key tip: Use wire — teeth cut mono instantly. Strike firmly and keep steady pressure; the eel twists to wrap the line.

Pier bottom fishing Shore

Rig: Strong pier rig dropped straight down beside piles and breakwater rocks after dark

Bait/lure: Squid strips, fish chunks

Key tip: Fish the shadow line of pier lights where hunting eels patrol; lift fish clear quickly with a drop net.

Best baits & lures

Whole small fish and fish stripsSquid stripsMackerel and sardine chunks

Techniques for Daggertooth Pike Conger →

Baseline setup

Rod: Heavy shore or boat rod
Line: 30-50 lb mono or braid with wire leader
Terminal: Wire leaders, 4/0-6/0 stout hooks, heavy sinkers, long pliers and gloves

Recommended gear for this species

Rod · Best value

9' 5-weight fly rod outfit

≈ US$180-260

Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.

Flies · Budget

Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)

≈ US$25-40

Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.

Picks come from our rule library — never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.

Typical size

Common 39-59 in and 4-11 lb; large fish pass 79 in and 20 lb

On the table

Fine eating — rich flesh prized for grilling and fish balls — but handle with pliers and gloves: the dagger teeth cause serious cuts, and the head keeps biting after landing.

Similar species

Amur CatfishAmur catfish has long whisker barbels and a soft, blunt head with no visible teeth; pike conger has no barbels and a jaw full of dagger teeth

Dark SleeperDark sleeper is a short, stout freshwater fish under 10 in; pike conger is a marine eel several feet long

Regulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →

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