The Mawnan Smith conger eel hunters have given up their quest to catch the elusive "big one" at a secret location in the Helford River, known only as the "Conger Pit".

Following three unsuccessful attempts the eight man team have laid up the good ship Matey.

Fishy tales tinged with agricultural terminology are still being bounded around the Red Lion pub some evenings as the intrepid fishermen gradually come to terms with their failure to catch no more than a few velvet crabs.

Matey's skipper, John "Digger" Tremaine, tells me in the summer the team will venture further offshore wreck and reef fishing, although he says they still intend more late night expeditions to the "Conger Pit".

Armed with my camera to record the big catch, I'm signing on as navigator. Regardless of the fishing, one thing is certain, these guys are the salt of the earth and splendid shipmates.

Tight lines !