Mussels and salting

[Lynnzer]

Can't remember which topic I mentioned the potential of salting mussel to make them more firm so have started this one.

The number of times you have to rebait a hook when using fresh mussel is annoying as they just slop off the hook even when wrapped with elastic. They disintegrate quickly.

So, I thought salting them the way we do with mackerel and worms would work.
I bought a pack of shell on mussel the other day then left them to open slightly, ie they died. It allows easy access to the inner bits without having to use a sharp knife along the edges. They also pick up a bit of a smell too which will probably be good for attracting fish.

I removed them, put them on a newspaper and covered them with lots of salt. They really need a lot as they are so full of liquid.

Well, here we are about an hour later and already I can see them firming up. Turning them on the newspaper they are a lot better in their consistency and hold shape well.

So it looks like it does give the result needed, Will be out with these this afternoon to see if the smell gets the result I need.

[ed209]

Will salting them not remove the juices which are the very thing that attracts the fish to the bait?

[Lynnzer]

Will salting them not remove the juices which are the very thing that attracts the fish to the bait?

Can't really add anything to that. Maybe, but the smell will still be present anyway especially since they picked up a bit of a hum after a day being dead in shell.

At least I'll have the satisfaction of knowing they'll probably stay on the hook longer.

[dabcatcher]

if you shell them and leave them between layers of paper for half an hour. drain off any excess moisture when in zip bags and freeze.

they firm up anyway and are easier to use.

i knew a bloke years ago who shelled them, left them for a day, salted them then left them to dry for another day. like lumps of rubber he was over the moon, he could use the same bait all day. didnt catch anything though.

[Bri48]

if you shell them and leave them between layers of paper for half an hour. drain off any excess moisture when in zip bags and freeze.

they firm up anyway and are easier to use.

i knew a bloke years ago who shelled them, left them for a day, salted them then left them to dry for another day. like lumps of rubber he was over the moon, he could use the same bait all day. didnt catch anything though.

Same bait all day didn't catch anything though ha ha Like it

[Juliogeordio]

Better of shelling live mussels and just using a bit extra elastic. I've never had an issue keeping them on the hook to be honest. I'd imagine that once dead and rotting they may be easier to hook but the juices the fish are after have also deteriorated making it not as productive. Can never be sure though so will keep an eye out for your next catch report!

[EddieS]

I tend to use a baiting needle - pack the needle up with as much as you can then use the elastic - you end up with a mussel sausage which is more manageable to get on to the hook - you can even freeze then whilst they are on the needle. Or another alternative is the plastic straw method so then you can cut them to the size to suit the hooks. i.e pennel rig , 5/0, 2/0 etc.

[Bushwhacker]

if you shell them and leave them between layers of paper for half an hour. drain off any excess moisture when in zip bags and freeze.

they firm up anyway and are easier to use.

i knew a bloke years ago who shelled them, left them for a day, salted them then left them to dry for another day. like lumps of rubber he was over the moon, he could use the same bait all day. didnt catch anything though.

Thats how i would do mine Bill.
Peel them into a collander and let them drain for an hour.Then left to dry overnight in plenty of paper.

[codfather145]

Dave your spot on that's how I do it.
They work better that way.
Only the water is taking away.
The scent is still in them.

[Bri48]

Never had a problem putting mussel on a hook with elasticated thread Try this shell the mussel into a bucket the night before and cover them with fresh water yes tap water they will swell to three or four times their size the water doesn't take the scent away from them I think it actually adds to it Have caught loads of fish with them from the boat and shore even the ones you make a balls of shelling swell up nice Try it you will be surprised I have found if you freeze them after swelling they shrink back

[spongebob]

I just use frozen mussel.... BUT I drain off juice then pre whip them into 4-5" sausages. Lay them in a take away tub and cover them in isome juice! !!!!! Stick them in the freezer or use them straight away. works a treat for me and the juice seems to toughen them up as well

[Lynnzer]

Would that be lemon juice

Well, I had a session using the ones I salted. They weren't all that tough anyway but a bit firmer. Caught a small whity first cast then crabs. Loads of em. Gave up as the rain came as I forgtot to take my waterproof jacket. I mean, it's a loonnngggg time since I needed waterproofs so thought it was all wrapped up in the leggings.

Tried Hendon Prom first and wind was difficlut so gave up and moved the the fish quay opposite the Glass Centre for the whity. Salted or not I don't there's proof of anything with this. It just firmed the mussles up and I caught where I had a bit of bluey on my other hook which didn't get a sniff.

[spongebob]

Would that be lemon juice

Lol no mate not lemon juice . You should try this method off blyth beach. It Works well. Or at least it did the last time I used it .

[Scrubbs]

I put mine in arma mesh or sausage skins then freeze. Using a pennel rig and elastic, caught cod of the boat and it stayed pretty much in one piece when cast from the beach as well.