Mussels as bait

I happen to be in a position to get a load of mussels free every week, was wondering are they any good as bait and which species would be the target? Have heard of them being used of course but was wondering peoples personal opinions.

East coast as usual!

They attract just about any inshore species, and used to be a favourite with cod anglers in big bait cocktails. But they're a real pain to keep on the hook, and crabs go mad for them, so best used as a "stuffing" for small squid. On the boat, I used to stuff them into little cotton finger stalls and pennel rig them for reef fishing, which worked OK, but not any better than other baits.

If you take them out of the shells and salt them their much easier to pop on the hook. Ive used them a few times with variable success.

Get an airtight tupperware box, fill the bottom with salt, pop in the mussels and cover over with salt. Put on the lid and leave them a few days. If their still a bit soft/gooey do it again with fresh salt. Leave them in the tupperware till you need them. As soon as they hit the water they rehydrate so use LOADS of bait elastic.
Its handy too for any left over lug, dont think its as good as fresh lug but they catch fish.

Good tip. But always found that even if you mummify mussels in bait elastic, they always escape. Peeler crab's way handier....

I prepare them at home by threading them onto a baiting needle or bbq pin. Then use lots of baiting elastic to make a 'sausage'. Take of the pin and cut to required seize once you need it. Push on hook like you'd do with lug. A bit more elastic to hold in place.

Lug an mussel killer cod bait

Try poring hot water over them but only for about ten secs this doesn't cook them but just make them that little bit easyer to use and doesn't seem to affect the quality of the bait .

Lug an mussel killer cod bait

Great cocktail mix down this way for Haddock from the boat. I'd always make sure to have a few on board.
Top bait for plaice in Cork harbour.

i used them in the waterford estaury and had whiting dabs and codling , good bait in that area