mussels on the hook

kenwyn · Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 7:34 pm Post subject: mussels on the hook

Anyone have any tips on getting mussels on a hook? ,bought some today and spent ages trying to get them out of shell in one piece all I ended up with was a wet jelly, and very hard to hook, yes, I had bait elastic and used it but is there any way of firming them up before opening the shell, freezing or a short blast of microwave, any ideas would be welcome.

geggy_poos · Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 7:36 pm Post subject:

ok 1st things get yourslelf a baiting needle. they are a few quid. get you mussels and put them on the baiting needle. then when they are on the baiting needle add the bait elastic. then slide onto the hook and this will keep the mussel on and it will be well presented.!

hope that helps greg!

wyldkat81 · Member Joined: Aug 27, 2008 Posts: 28 Location: Bristol

I've read somewhere else on here that if you freeze them as soon as you can after getting them, as they thaw, they start to open. The freezing should - theoretically - firm them a little, making it easier.
Use the handle of a spoon or the blunt edge of a dinner knife to remove from shell.

Check out go fishing.com and look for 'shellfish' baits.

kenwyn · Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2008 10:08 am Post subject:

Thank you both for your suggestions, I will give them a try but I still have trouble getting the meat out of the shell without breaking it up, perhaps I'm just clumsy and need more practice, thanks again.

stowaway · Member Joined: Aug 17, 2008 Posts: 98 Location: coast

Hi,

Some tips and pics here:-

http://www.fishingsims.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=64&PID=158

hth

kenwyn · Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2008 2:26 pm Post subject:

Hi, Stowaway, Looks as if you have found the answer to the problem, brilliant pictures, now all I have to do is wait till 'er indoors' is out and get in the kitchen. Cheers and thanks.