South coast specialist Mark Bryant is claiming one of the best ever braces of eels after a session on a gravel pit threw up fish of 9lb 4oz and 6lb 11oz.

And amazingly the Brighton angler, who has targeted eels over 20 years, took both fish on ragworm baits more normally used for catching flounder and dabs.

Mark was night fishing at the water near his home when the fish took the baits on size 4 hook and a simple running leger rig set up, matched with a no nonsense 20lb wire trace and 40lb braid mainline.

Mark, who has previously banked many eels over 4lb, stumbled across the magic ragworm bait formula while experimenting last season and says it avoids catching ‘nuisance’ pike and perch.

“It was a warm, clear night which is ideal for eel fishing,” said the garage owner. “I have found the bigger eels prefer the deeper water and the big one came at 100 yards range.”

The brace follows hot on the heels of the captures of eels of 9lb 8oz and 9lb 4oz in May.

Jan Porter comments on the run of big eels in July’s Midland Angler, out now.