The different ways of escherching shellfish for sea fishing

How to escherch shellfish? © Laurent Duclos

Many shellfish can be used as bait to catch a multitude of different species. Some can be used whole, while others need to be opened and shelled to interest the fish.

Using a whole shell

It is, of course, possible to fish with certain shellfish in their entirety, as they may occur in their natural state. This is the case, for example, with mussels and razor clams, two shellfish highly prized by sparids for their ability to crush shells without difficulty.

To fish with a whole mussel, simply open the shell gently with a small, thin-bladed knife and slide in the hook.

Utiliser une moule entière pour pêcher
Use a whole mussel for fishing

To lure a whole knife, it's also possible to slit the knife open and slide the hook through, before closing the shell with binding wire. Another method is to use a loach needle to thread the leader all the way through the shell and bring out the hook.

The use of whole shellfish automatically selects the fish that will be able to feed on such morsels, whether gilthead bream, sars or paddlefish.

Use only the shell meat

To attract a greater variety of fish, it is necessary to use only the shell meat. To do this, simply open bivalve shells such as cockles, cannelés or almonds, and extract the flesh by gently scraping the shell with a knife.

Utiliser uniquement la chair du coquillage
Use only shell meat

For other gastropod shellfish, such as periwinkles or whelks, you'll need to break the shell gently with a small hammer or stone to be able to use the flesh.

The flesh of the various shellfish is then pricked at least twice on a hook adapted to the size of the bait offered. Some shellfish have softer flesh than others, and the use of tying wire ensures a better hold on the hook.

Vous pouvez utiliser du fil à ligaturer pour les coquillages
You can use binding wire for shellfish

Most shelled shellfish attract predators of all sizes. To target the biggest catches, give preference to large bites and firm-fleshed shellfish.

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