mussels

Question regarding mussels-  DFG regs show(if I am reading them right? I didn't attend law school) you can take mussels year round.  Then I have heard that you don't want to take them in the summer months or during a red tide.  Is this correct?  Also, how do you know when a red tide is occurring or it is unsafe to take mussels?  As you can see, I am very confused.  Maybe one of our fisheries biologist friends can help me out?

Thanks,

Jody

Jody, Mussels are quarantined for human consumption at present. The quarantine usually is taken off in November. For more information call the state health dept. at 1-800-553-4133

The general rule of thumb is they should only be taken in the months with "R" in them.  Paralytic shellfish toxin is really not something you want to f**k around with.  You can take them legally in the summer, but most people do this for bait.

I belived 10 lbs is the limit.


Kiel

I always wait until November, and have some really good spots that have a variety of size.  The huge ones are a little much for me, and prefer the medium or small ones.  Mussel and pumpkin chowder coming to a table near you soon!

oh, i want a bowl of that, that sounds awesome, cameron

I always wait until November, and have some really good spots that have a variety of size.  The huge ones are a little much for me, and prefer the medium or small ones.  Mussel and pumpkin chowder coming to a table near you soon!

So, where is a good safe place to get them mussels in November? 

Anywhere there is a good outcropping of rocks at low tide.

Mussel and pumpkin chowder coming to a table near you soon!

I busted that three years ago for T-Day and loved it.  I did it again last year when someone finally told me that the preceding year nobody but me liked it.  Needless to say, i won't be making it this year for T-day.

i would like to join on a mussel harvest if anyone wants to post a hookup

Mussel and pumpkin chowder coming to a table near you soon!

I busted that three years ago for T-Day and loved it.  I did it again last year when someone finally told me that the preceding year nobody but me liked it.  Needless to say, i won't be making it this year for T-day.

i would like to join on a mussel harvest if anyone wants to post a hookup

Count me in for that hookup.  How about a mussel and crabbin hookup and we make the chowder right there at the beach?  We need a cook and the ideal location if it's even possible to get both in the same area.

i would like to join on a mussel harvest if anyone wants to post a hookup

Me too!

Mussels on the beach sounds wonderful. Cooked with garlic and white wine, served with crusty bread to sop up the soup... I'm ready!

Bloodbath and Solsfr1 made a KILLER ciopinno using mussels as one of the ingredients and it was da shizzle!

Also make sure the area is not inside a SMR, SMP, or SMCA.

MBhalibunter is prepping for some awesome cioppino right now. It's for the Carmel River Steelhead Association's annual BBQ Fundraiser on Sunday. There will also be loads of wild game like boar, elk, abalone, salmon, rockfish, etc...check the Gen Talk forum for more info. 

I like north of Bodega, lots of mussels and easy paddle out for some dungies.  Stop at Tides and grab some shrimp, scallops, calamari, bread and the jar sauce, and the ciopino is on baby!

MontanaN8V,
Damn that sounds good, I guess its getting to to go collect at the coast!