Frozen mussels

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#1 Post by Al » Sun Dec 10, 2006 2:54 pm

Hey lads was just wondering how you go about preparing frozen mussels for bait? I have only ever used fresh mussels, and what i usually do is boil for a few minutes until they open which usually thoughens them up a bit and makes it easier to take out of the shell and to put on a hook, would it be the same for frozen mussels and would you have to defrost them first or would you just boil them from frozen? Or would you do that at all?

Any advice is much appreciated

Cheers,
Al

#2 Post by **BigPhil** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 2:58 pm

normally i boil a load of them, as you do, then shell them, and pack them down into small bags and freeze them, them use once they thaw, some guys freeze them with a little fish oil or whatever in the bag to give them extra scent once they thaw

#3 Post by KK » Sun Dec 10, 2006 3:04 pm

Hey lads, would you boil them for long?? or just a minute until the shells open??

#4 Post by **BigPhil** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 3:06 pm

just till shell opens slightly, then i use a teaspoon with a sharpish edge on it and scoop them out

#5 Post by Al » Sun Dec 10, 2006 3:07 pm

Cheers Bigphil, I have never bought frozen mussels before usually collect them myself but wont have time before i head out. So do you know if the frozen mussels already come shelled? I suppose i'll find out when i buy them

Cheers again,
Al

#6 Post by **BigPhil** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 3:08 pm

normally come sheeled and all mate, just thaw, bring them out and whip on

#7 Post by Al » Sun Dec 10, 2006 3:15 pm

BigPhil wrote:normally come sheeled and all mate, just thaw, bring them out and whip on

Ah thats real handy, no messing around, seems good to me

Cheers!
Yeah KK as Bigphil said just boil them for a minute til the shell opens then take them out, Some people also put salt on them aswell as it also helps to toughen them up. Haven't tried this myself though!

#8 Post by KK » Sun Dec 10, 2006 3:30 pm

Cheers lads i must go collect some now its fishing great at the moment

#9 Post by **EricH** » Sun Dec 10, 2006 9:42 pm

Me, personally, i'd never boil or heat the mussel to open them. Just shell them, (with a little practice and a decent knife you can do it qute quickly) and freeze.

I blanched some mussels once, they did get toughter, but the scent was gone and they were not a very good bait.

Shell fresh mussels and freeze in ziplock bags . . i collect a couple of buckets every summer Aug/Sept and freeze 'em down for the winter . .

Each to their own i guess . .just my 2c worth!

Cisco · #10 Post by **Cisco** » Mon Dec 11, 2006 11:18 am

Personally I won't boil mussels either.
At home I get them out their shells using a teaspoon or table knife. Then put them on a baiting needle. Use some baiting elastic to make a 'sausage' while on the baiting needle. Then I remove the needle and freeze it.
On the beach I simply cut some amount of the mussel-sausage and whip it on!
I've to admit, it is a bit messy at home until you get the hang of it. But the bait works a treat when used with a bit of lug...

-C