I know I have a lot to learn coming from the midwest two years ago. I have been learning through these forums and the occasional focused charter trip.

When I purchased sea clams at a local marina trying for spades earlier this week at CLT. They were open and smelled strong. I didn't catch any (nor see any caught so I cannot blame it on the bait) but I thought clams should be closed up tight and not smell when fresh. Does it matter? Should I avoid this marina for bait....? Or is it local rules in VB to let the buyer beware the lesson here?



Thanks for any feedback here or at JC807@cox.net

Sea clams die very quickly when out of the water thus they open. Yes it is normal for them to stink real bad...its about the nastiest bait you can use, but the fish love it.

from my experience... the worse the bait smells the better it works..

I had some menhaden once that smelled so bad we were practically gagging when we got it out of the cooler... this was on the best day of rockfishing I've ever had

Someone out there thinks Sea Clams are great to eat! Broiled ,Fried,Baked and my favorite Raw.LOL!!

live eels are the worst bait as far as dealing with.

YOU GOT TO LOVE IT WHEN ONE WRAPS AROUND YOUR ARM

[quote=jimbob,Jun 16 2005, 01:57 AM][quote=peejcj8,Jun 15 2005, 08:42 PM]live eels are the worst bait as far as dealing with.
[/quote]
YOU GOT TO LOVE IT WHEN ONE WRAPS AROUND YOUR ARM

[/quote]

You finally get that sucker hooked and he just slithers off.

Before I fished with them, a buddy told me how bad they were. I kind of called him a girl, after wrestling with those buggers, I had to tell him I was sorry for the insult.

i have heard of people catching spades on sea clam when they would not bite on chowders, i guess it pays to be prepared for anything...