MUSSELS.
Can be a first class bait for cod fishing over rough ground and kelp. For most
English anglers the best source of mussels is likely to be your local fishmonger
who will supply you with live rope grown mussels. These mussels are likely to
be larger and of better quality than any you will find on the seashore. Mussels
can be kept alive for several weeks in a bucket of cool seawater.
Mussels
are best fished in bunches on large single hooks, try a fixed or pulley paternoster
rig with hook sizes from 2/0 upwards. Thread the shelled mussels onto the hook
point taking it through the tough foot and beard. A few turns of binding elastic
will keep everything together when it arrives on the seabed.
In
a stormy coloured sea a big juicy mussel bait can out fish many other baits.
If you like you can shell the mussels before you go fishing and then keep them
in a jar topped up with the mussel liquor. Kept this way for a few days the
mussels will toughen up considerably. Some anglers allow the mussels to become
stinking before using them. Shelled and frozen mussels are an excellent standby
bait.
