Using mussels as bait?

[Clinker]

Hey folks, looking for some info on using mussels [EDIT] as bait. I've heard mixed reviews so far. Some people say they make a great bait for flatties and others say that they're only good in a cocktail. Anyone here had much success with them on their own?

I collected some a few weeks back and used some fresh. Unfortunatley I was very ill-informed and tried putting a few on a single hook without any bait elastic. Needless to say they weren't on the hook by the time it hit the water I'd spent ages taking them out of the shells too

I put the rest I didn't use in a bag and chucked it in the freezer. I went to open one the other day just to see, and it was mostly ice inside the shell. Is it not a good idea to freeze them in their shells?

The main issues I've had with mussels [EDIT] is that they take a long time to de-shell, they're hard to keep on the hook, and I'm not sure if they're any use as a bait by themselves. Please post any advice you might have and any reports of fish caught using them.

Thanks a lot

[The Austrian]

if you talking about mussels this topic was brought up before, read here: http://www.sea-angling-ireland.org/bull ... it#p221022

[Clinker]

An there's me searching for previous postings on 'muscles' prior to posting myself! Found a couple too, so at least I'm not the only eejit!! Thanks austrian

[saving private brian]

ya lad there deadly for cod.i got a pollock on one too.great in cocktails too.them and razors r probably the best shell fish baits.oh yea never under estimate the cockles either.

[lampard]

Musseles, fish and Guiness... what a great way to end a day!!