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Bait guide
Common cockle in its shell, a reference image for cockle bait

Shellfish

Cockle

Cockle meat is a soft, compact shellfish bait often used for bottom-feeding species. Buy it from a reliable source and check shellfish safety notices before eating or gathering.

BassFlatfishWhiting

Best over: Sand, Mud, Mixed

Photo: Ansgar Koreng · CC BY-SA 4.0

How to mount it

1231 Feed onto shank2 Anchor bait3 Leave point clear

General presentation illustration. Bait shape and hook placement vary with hook size and bait condition.

  1. 1Open the shell and remove the meat, keeping the firmer foot intact if possible.
  2. 2Pass the hook through the firmest part of the meat.
  3. 3Fold the soft flesh once around the hook shank and pass the hook through again.
  4. 4Bind gently with bait elastic and leave the hook point exposed.