Squid Fishing Basics  

Permanently etched in my mind is the image of fishermen jigging, shoulder to shoulder at night, looking into the water as if they saw something I could not. Fishermen oohed and ahhed as they pulled squirts out of the water and dropped them into buckets full of black, foamy water.

My college roommate and I had gotten restless and bored while home on winter break. So, we drove to a local beach with some friends to hang out. I had never seen a fishing pier so crowded, day or night - ever. What would make so many people come out, in the dark, cold weather?

Squid. That's what the people were here for. This was my first exposure to squid fishing, and it was impressionable. Today I close my eyes, and I can still see the silhouettes of fishermen jigging their rods, up and down with their buckets behind them.

Squid fishermen catch squid along all the coastal waters of the world. In the United States, people squid fish all along our saltwater coasts. Squid are everywhere. Squid fishing is the silent fishery. While squid make up only 3% of the global fishery catch, squid is the third most valuable fish on the market (squid is behind Tuna and shrimp). Squid happens to be a staple in many diets around the world. When you have an expensive fish to buy, and one that is in demand (because it's yummy!), you will often find people fishing for it. Isn't the same true for salmon, tuna, and shellfish? One difference, though. There are plenty of squid in the ocean.

Squid are a resilient species. Most squid species live only 12 to 18 months, and they reproduce fast. Many female squid can lay up to 100,000 eggs! A fast reproduction cycle helps squid be resilient to fishing pressure. However, like all animals, squid are still susceptible to pollution and oceanic changes.

Squid are fascinating animals. When squid fishing, you can see the squid stretch out their arms when they approach your squid jig to see what it is. When your light is in the water at night, nothing seems to be going on. In an instant, a school of 100 plus squid turn on a dime and attack your jig. Like a school of sea ghosts, these animals change color to a pale glow, and float mysteriously through the water. But, the most fun I have is when I catch squid (sometimes two or three at a time!), and they squirt a mantel full of ink at you like a fire hose!

If I had kids, I would take my kids squid fishing. I'd take my kids squid fishing because there are plenty of squid to catch. These are fun creatures for kids to see as their colors pulsate and they squirt ink - it'll make most people laugh out loud the first time they see a squid out of water. Squid are easily accessible; just go to your nearest salt water pier. Most of all, squid are easy to catch. Just move the squid rod up and down until it feels like you have a 10-pound weight on the end - you have a squid. I've caught over 100 squid in one outing - got my 10-pound limit in only a few hours. This happens more often than you'd expect.

Squid fishing is a very inexpensive sport. All you need is a fishing rod and two to three squid jigs (check your local regulations for tackle rules and catch limits). Squid fishermen use both spinning rods and fly rods with a spinning reel to squid fish. A fly rod is used for squid fishing frequently because it is lightweight (for hours of jigging), and the fly reel seat prevents your fishing handle from banging against the pier. Juicy Jigsâ„¢ Tackle Company sells a fishing rod just for squid fishing called the Juicy Jiggerâ„¢. This squid-specific rod has a fly reel seat (to prevent the handle from banging against the pier), very lightweight (lighter than any inexpensive fly rod you can buy around town), has a white tip on the rod for seeing squid strikes, and spinning rod eyelets for using monofilament line. This is the only rod for squid fishing of its kind and it is more affordable than buying an inexpensive fly rod or spinning rod. Ed's Surplus in Lynnwood, Kitsap Sports in Silverdale, and Bay Street Outfitters in Port Orchard currently sell the Juicy Jiggerâ„¢ as well as several other stores in the Puget Sound and New England region. You can also purchase it online at www.juicyjigs.com.

The best squid jigs tend to be slender and have reflective qualities. It is important that the squid jig glows in the dark. Squid are very attracted to glow in the dark qualities. Popular colors for squid jigs seem to be all glow (always popular), green/glow, and pink/glow. Colors can change from pier to pier and night to night. It's good to own a wide selection of squid jig colors. Other popular colors can be orange/glue, blue/glue and chartreuse/glue.

Squid fishing is a relaxing, affordable outdoor activity. Go with a friend or take your kids. Give it a try! Once you catch your squid, if you need cleaning and cooking instructions, go to www.JuicyJigs.com, www.piscatorialpursuits.com, and www.steelheader.net all have squid fishing information. Before you know it, you will have gourmet fair on your dinner table!

About the Author

Stephanie Dupuis is a Northwest native, born and raised in the Seattle, WA area with over 20 years fishing experience in Washington State. She now resides in Bremerton, WA where squid fishing is popular and prodcutive.