For the traps, I do not think you want to carry one of those big things around. They are cumbersome,expensive and a bit over kill. I have heard of guys using a sturdy bait tank net. They are small (6 inch) made of solid construction. If you use a cheapie it will bend and break.

As for hooking, yes a small hook is good but I do not hide it. I just run it through the shell once and it swings around freely. The barb of the hook prevents it from falling off.

How do you keep the mussels on? Thread?