Mussels

Being a huge fan of cioppino, was wondering about collecting mussels on the Sonoma/Mendocino coast.  We used to do it out at Shelter Cove around the ab opener, but just want to be overly cautious about it.  What is the limit?  When is the safest time to do it?  Where's a good place (other than Shelter Cove)?  Maybe if anyone wants to go, we could also do som pokepoling if the swell subsides after this weekend.

I haven't gone after mussels myself, so I can't offer any advice.  I can however point you to the proper regs and health warnings.

Here is the current 2006 mussel quarntine order by the Department of Health Services.   Basically, mussels are quarntined between May 1 and Oct 31.

http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/ddwem/environmental/shellfish/PDFs/Q_2006_Order-English.pdf

As for regulations...

29.55. Mussels.
Limit: Ten pounds (in the shell) of California sea mussels and bay mussels in combination.

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mrd/oceanfish2006.pdf

I thought there was a ban on using tools to collect mussels, but I can find any reference to it.

Joe: 

We get em all the time. Drop on by the office and I'll give you the skinny.  YUM!

http://www.coastsidefishingclub.com/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/411259/an/0/page/1#411259

Recent thread on Coastside...Includes mention of take by "hook and line or by hand" only.   I may have to go get me a bucket!