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Probably the sea anglers most underrated bait. Competition anglers and freelance anglers targeting cod know just how good mussel can be but deliberately keep it a closely guarded secret!

Mussel is obviously a soft bait, but for cod, push two large or four small mussel on to the hook shank, now wrap it in to the shape of a fat sausage with bait elastic. You can also cut small squares of cuttle-fish and pass these over the point and barb of the hook to stop the mussel masking the point. Bigger baits can be used for bigger fish.

Single small mussel on an Aberdeen or Viking pattern hook will catch dabs, flounders, rockling, dogfish, coalfish and even bass. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that mussel is a rough ground only bait, it catches just as well over sand. Also try mussel offshore for haddock, codling, gurnards, wrasse and plaice.

Also try using mussel to tip a worm bait off which is very good for codling after a gale in rough winter seas.