MUSSEL POWER

Mussels are probably very close to the top of the specialists hate list.  If you have never encountered mussels then here I will inform you of these unique creatures abilities.  All freshwater mussels belong to the mollusk group Unionoida, and, being freshwater creatures, we anglers have to deal with them.

Mussels swim via a water jet propulsion system, and live in groups or clusters.  They love to attach themselves to any place where they can gain a hold and very often a fishing line offers good anchorage.  The margins on many waters often have debris such as tree branches, large stones etc, and of course, our lines.

It is tempting on waters where mussels are present to get the lines low for obvious reasons, but very often this can prove a fatal mistake.  Upon getting a run from a carp the line is simply burned through until failure because mussel clusters are very tough to pull free from, don't get me wrong, a carp will rip the line through the clusters, but upon picking up the rod it will be as if you nailed the line to the bottom of the lake or river. This results in a sawing action and the burned line simply snaps.

It is unfortunate to cast across a mussel zone and fortunately rare, and should you locate such a zone make a note of it and avoid it in the future because these zones are permanent unless the anchorage is removed.

For the margin areas get the rod tips up, not necessarily beach style, just high enough to carry the line out and over the danger zone.  A couple of clicks on the bait feeder clutch will allow you to tighten to the lead weight and put tension into the rod tip.  I hope this area of MASTER CLASS has been of some use to you, feel free to send me your feedback and I will attempt to answer any query you may have.

Regards.

Dave.

Raise the rod tips to avoid the margin mussel!