Fishing is a fun activity to interact with nature, and squid fishing is a lot of fun, for both novice and experienced anglers. However, this activity is quite challenging because the squid likes to hide in grassy areas and can spit out ink when they feel threatened. By preparing the right tools, choosing the right location and time, and mastering a few techniques, you can catch a lot of squid in a short amount of time.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Finding the Right Equipment
Step 1. Choose a long, lightweight fishing rod
You should be able to feel the smooth movement when fishing for squid. So, choose a fishing rod that is light and long. You can use a fishing rod with a power of 3 to 9 kilograms. The lighter, the better.
You don't need to buy any special equipment – almost any type of fishing rod and hook can be used to hunt squid
Step 2. Use the squid jig as bait
Squids have their own hunting techniques. So you have to use the right bait. Squid jigs are the most common type of bait used. This lure has a fish-like body, glows in the dark, and has two hooks that can be rolled up to catch squid.
- All types of squid jigs can be used to catch fish. Sometimes the color used also affects its effectiveness. Instead, prepare a variety of different colors and sizes so you can test their efficacy one by one.
- The most common types of squid jigs are 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5. This number represents the speed of the bait in seconds when it enters the water.
Step 3. Use live bait
Another type of bait that is also commonly used to catch squid is live bait. If you don't want to buy a squid jig or want to use live bait, choose small squid, or a small fish that you usually use as bait, such as minnow.
Method 2 of 4: Choosing the Right Time and Place
Step 1. Go fishing at night
Catching squid is a nocturnal activity. These animals hunt at night and are very easily provoked by light. So you can catch them more easily after dark.
Step 2. Look for tidal areas
Fish often seek deep water to protect themselves. This means, the chances of catching squid are much higher in high tide waters. Check the calendar to find out when the water will rise and get ready to catch some squid!
Your chances are greater if the tide is on when the weather is cloudy or rainy
Step 3. Fish in the spring or summer
Chances of getting squid are greater when the air is warm. So choose spring and summer, or early fall, to hunt squid in the sea.
Do an online search to find the nearest squid fishing location in your area
Step 4. Find a pier or harbor
You don't need a boat to fish for squid. These animals usually hide from predators in grassy areas, so the combination of grass and light on the dock can be a perfect location to find them.
- The ink marks on the wharf are a clear sign that squid has been caught in the area.
- Stay away from locations that have been used to store boats or used by other anglers.
- You can also search online for popular fishing spots for squid hunting.
Step 5. Fishing from the boat
If there are no docks nearby, or you choose to go boating, there are still great opportunities to catch squid. Place the lights on the bottom or side of the boat that is used. If you are using a large boat, use a waterproof lamp. Dip the lamp in the water, then pull it out to catch fish.
Choose a location covered in seaweed or sand at the bottom
Method 3 of 4: Perfecting Fishing Techniques
Step 1. Lure your game
Tie your squid jig or bait to the end of the hook. Throw and let the hook sink to the desired depth. Tuck the line two or three times, then submerge it again. Repeat until the tug of the fishing line reaches the surface of the water.
- Make sure the bait is kept moving in the water.
- Move the bait in a variety of ways – from long, short, or medium intervals – so you know where the squid is.
- Although not mandatory, use a special fishing rod for squid so you can feel the hook touching the seaweed or the bottom of the water.
Step 2. Use a float
Tie the bait you use to a float that can adjust the depth of the fishing hook. You have to try different depths to find the squid.
This method is suitable for shallow water because you don't have to worry about the bait getting stuck on the seabed
Step 3. Use a ledger rig
This is a technique for attaching a series of baits on a single hook. Tie two baits near the hook that is connected to the ballast, which is a tool to determine the depth of the hook that goes into the water.
Ledger rigs are great for wharf fishing because you can leave the line still and then use another rod to lure the squid
Step 4. Change the bait used
No matter what technique you use, if the squid doesn't catch on, try switching baits with a different weight, size, or color and see what factors make the biggest difference.
If you are using live bait, experiment to find the type of fish that works best. Alternatively, you can also change the type of hook used
Method 4 of 4: Catching Squid
Step 1. Use a net to avoid ink spray
The squid has a unique self-defense mechanism: it will squirt black ink to scare away sources of threat (such as anglers). Be prepared for the ink spray when removing the squid from the water. Use a net to prevent the squid ink from squirting. Wait for the animal to finish spraying the ink, then transfer the squid to the prepared container.
If your clothes, hands or the walls of the boat get ink, don't worry. The liquid can be washed off with water and will come off easily if cleaned before it dries
Step 2. Place the squid in the bucket
Bring a bucket or other container that can be used to hold the squid. Fill the container with a little water, then add the squid. This way, the remaining ink will settle in the container, not on your boat.
If the squid still looks plump or puffy when it's brought to the boat, it still has ink on its body
Step 3. Watch out for the bite
In addition to spraying ink, the squid also has a bird-like beak that is used to kill prey and bite its enemies. Don't let your fingers stick to the body of a freshly caught squid.
Tips
- Bring a spare squid jig just in case.
- Invite your friends to help – squid fishing is a fun group activity!
