SEA ANGLING 



41 



Among the so-called shell fish of the class mollusca, mussels, 

 limpets, cockles, and whelks are all largely used for bait. The 

 last of these are too large for our purpose, but form a splendid 

 bait for deep-sea fishing, while the other three, and especially the 

 mussels, are well suited for shore work. Mussels, in fact, pro- 

 vide one of the best possible baits for almost all kinds of shore 

 fishing, the only drawback being the excessive softness of their 



FIG. 30. DIGGING FOR BAIT 



bodies, which enables them to be easily torn from the hook. 

 When small hooks are used, mussels of a small size may be used 

 whole, or the larger ones may be divided into portions of suitable 

 size ; and in any case it will be found a good plan to tie the 

 bait to the hook with a short piece of cotton thread. 



Mussels are not easily opened without injury, and consequently 

 some anglers give them a short immersion in hot water, to kill 



