Collecting Squid
Squid as well as Cuttlefish tend to be only found out in very deep water and so are not a bait the angler usually collects himself. they do however sometimes get washed ashore after a storm as well as the Octopus which all are comparable as bait. Most anglers tend to buy their Squid from either a fish mongers or or the tackle shop. the Kalamari usually come in boxes of eight while the fish mongers usually sell the large native Squid. you should make sure your squid is fresh and any that have turned slightly pink are off!
Using Squid as a boat bait
Cut the squid on one side down the body leaving you with an open flap of flesh. then pull the head off and discard the guts and the backbone (almost like a peice of plastic). The head can be used whole or cut up for use as tipping bait. the flesh can be cut into strips used to cocktail other baits. Although squid can be used on its own it does not seem to have a great scent and so that is why it is normally used in conjunction with other baits. it is however very tough and bright so dobles as an attractor to fish and also by keeping the rest of your bait on the hook.
Using Squid alone
Some anglers swear by using whole squid for catching large Cod in the later season around wrecks. For some reason the fish at this time of year take to baits better than lures and anglers often thread as many as six squid up a line in search of that elusive record breaker.
Species
Cod, Whiting, Pouting, Conger, Smoothhounds(when you have no crab), Rays, Bass
Hotspots
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Collecting Mussel
It's easy! all you have to do is search around rocks and weed at low tide. Many harbour walls and groins will sustain mussel groups and you will always find them in numbers. Try to vary the locations you take them from as not to destroy a population. remember to be very carefull around slippery rocks and seaweed as many people are killed every year being swept off rocks or simply falling in. when collected the mussels have to be shelled. some people like to dip them in boiling water for about three seconds to toughen them up. they can also be used straight away as they are but most people like to freeze them. when used from frozen they go on the hook well and quickly defrost as soon as they his the salt water. Mussel can also be bought from any tackle shop and is usuallly very cheap and a lot less hassle.
Using Mussel as bait
Mussel can be used on the hook much more effecticely when boat fishing than from the shore as casting is not nessasary. simply pile as much as you want onto your hook and secure with bait elastic. Mussel also works wery well when combined with Squid, Razorfish, Mackeral or Lugworm.
Species
Ballan Wrasse, Rock Cook, Pollack, Whiting, Codling, Pouting, Coalfish, Bass, Dabs, Flounder, Plaice.
Hotspots
Sutton Beach (Dublin)