Squid hunting, encompassing both recreational angling and large-scale commercial operations, is driven by global demand for squid as a food source. Found in coastal regions worldwide, squid are valued for their culinary versatility and role in marine ecosystems. While a smaller portion of global capture fisheries, squid fisheries have steadily increased their contribution over the past decade.
Methods and Equipment
Squid hunting primarily employs jigging, netting, and trapping techniques. Jigging, popular for recreational anglers, uses specialized lures called squid jigs. These jigs mimic shrimp or baitfish and come in various sizes, colors, and sink rates. Sizes 2.5 to 3.5 are often used for larger squid, while smaller jigs suit smaller species.
A typical jigging setup includes a spinning rod, around 7 feet for versatility from boats, kayaks, or piers. Longer rods (7’6″ to 8’6″) are preferred for land-based fishing, allowing longer casts and keeping the jig further from the angler to prevent spooking squid. Medium-light (ML) rod power is suitable for squid, with stiffer rods better for imparting action to larger jigs.
Reels for jigging are lightweight spinning reels (sizes 1000 to 3000), spooled with about 120 meters of braided line (12 to 20 lb test). Braid is favored for its thin diameter, aiding casting distance and sensitivity to subtle bites. A smooth drag system is important to absorb strong lunges and prevent line breakage. Luminous jigs or external lights are used for night fishing, as squid are attracted to light, which concentrates baitfish and, in turn, squid.
Netting methods for squid vary from small dip nets used by recreational anglers to large-scale commercial operations employing trawl nets or purse seines. Commercial vessels, particularly for California market squid, use large seine nets that can harvest over 50 tons at a time with minimal bycatch. These operations use powerful lights, sometimes up to 30,000 watts, to attract squid to the surface at night, making them easier to encircle. Bottom trawls, cone-shaped nets towed along the seabed, also catch species living near the bottom.
Trapping involves deploying various designs, such as semi-cylindrical or cylindrical traps, often made from bamboo and rattan covered with polyethylene netting. These traps, 1.2 to 1.55 meters long and 0.6 to 1.2 meters wide, are set in waters around 9 to 15 meters deep. They feature a single entrance and may contain bait, such as coconut flower branches, to lure squid inside. Funnel traps, made from PVC or netted frames, are another type, designed with narrow openings that guide squid in while making escape difficult, proving effective for larger squid in commercial deep-water fishing.
Prime Hunting Locations and Seasons
Squid are found in diverse marine habitats globally, concentrated in coastal waters, around piers, jetties, and specific depths. These cephalopods inhabit areas with mixed weed and sandy bottoms, using weed beds for egg-laying and hiding, while hunting over sandy patches. Drop-offs, where the seabed steeply declines, are also productive spots, as squid feed and conceal themselves along these underwater ledges.
For land-based anglers, piers and docks offer accessible fishing locations, especially for California market squid which congregate nearshore during spawning events. Identifying promising spots involves observing local conditions, such as the presence of baitfish, which squid prey upon. Using polarized sunglasses can help anglers spot weed beds and other underwater structures where squid are present.
Squid hunting seasons vary by region, but many species exhibit peak activity during specific times of the year, influenced by spawning cycles and water temperatures. For instance, California market squid spawn from April through November in central California and from October through April in Southern California, making these periods prime for targeting them. European common squid are found in coastal waters and shallower depths, particularly during summer, moving to deeper waters (500-1000 meters) in winter to avoid temperature fluctuations.
The lunar cycle and tidal conditions influence squid activity and catch rates. While some studies suggest lower jigging catches during full moon periods, catches may increase as the new moon approaches. Moonlight can affect squid behavior, as they are attracted to light, and artificial lights are used to draw them closer to fishing vessels. Strong tidal movements, particularly incoming and outgoing tides, are favorable for squid fishing as they can concentrate prey and bring squid closer to shore.
Targeting Squid Species and Responsible Practices
Hunters target several common squid species. Humboldt squid ( Dosidicus gigas ), also known as jumbo squid, are large, predatory cephalopods found primarily in the eastern Pacific Ocean. These squid can reach up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length and weigh over 50 kilograms (110 pounds), with a reddish-brown or pinkish coloration. They possess powerful suckers lined with sharp teeth and a razor-sharp beak, used for capturing prey like small fish, crustaceans, and other cephalopods. Humboldt squid are known for their aggressive behavior, particularly during feeding, and can rapidly change their skin color for communication and camouflage.
Californian market squid ( Doryteuthis (Loligo) opalescens ) are smaller, averaging around 8 inches in length, but can reach up to 12 inches including their arms. These squid have a cigar-shaped body with two large, triangular fins and can change color from sand to cream with brownish or iridescent markings. They are found statewide in California ocean waters, congregating in bays and near offshore islands over sandy bottoms during spawning events. During non-spawning periods, they move offshore to deeper waters during the day and return to the surface at night to hunt.
The European common squid ( Loligo vulgaris ) is found in coastal waters from the North Sea to the west coast of Africa. This species has a long, slender body with rhomboid fins that comprise two-thirds of its mantle length, growing to 15-25 cm, though some males can reach up to 40 cm. They are carnivorous predators, feeding on fish and crustaceans, and exhibit cannibalism. European squid display pelagic behavior when hunting but are more restricted to the seabed during spawning season.
Responsible hunting practices are important to ensure the sustainability of squid populations and minimize environmental impact. Adhering to local regulations, including size and bag limits, is an aspect of ethical fishing. Some regions, such as Spain and Portugal, impose a 100 mm minimum landing size for Loligo species.
The highly selective nature of methods like squid jigging, which uses barbless lures and does not contact the seabed, results in minimal bycatch and no seabed damage. Catch-and-release considerations, while less common for squid due to their delicate nature, should prioritize minimizing harm. Avoiding excessive usage of lights that could disorient other marine life and being mindful of sensitive spawning grounds contribute to responsible practices.