Squid tips

[CP Inlet Isle]

Hey, everybody! I'm a virgin squidder and need some guidance.We are heading to the fishery for the first time the day after Thanksgiving, and we are looking forward to it.I see lots of references to using squid, and have to believe that there are personal preferences to fresh or pickled, as well as rigging techniques, hook size, scents and so on.We have lots of smelt and I was thinking of picking up some squid, just in case. Any suggestions?Thanks a million.Chris :smile:

[Hookset]

I've used squid a few times, purchased whole from the local grocery.

If the bait is large, I cut them in half even thirds, you get more baits this way. I use 6/0 or 7/0 with 30 inches of 80# braid.

I place the hook through the hide or skin near the legs, whatever you call it, two times, the hook just dangles, head is up the line. You could just push the point through but I like to anchor the hook by running it through the hide so I don't lose the bait. Next, roll your bait together to form a slim profile like a cigar. You could cut notches along the side to help hold your half hitches. The squid is slick and half hitches are hard to hold, another reason I anchor a bait with the hook threaded through the lower area. Anyway, start half hitching your bait and keep the line tight, try to pull extra tight to seat the hitch in the skin. I've never done this but I read a story where a person put a small strip of cloth inside to hold scent. I use scent, like shrimp oil, clam scent like smell gelly sturgeon feast and other bait fish oils mixed together. The squid doesn't really hold scent since the flesh is so hard and slick. Hard to puncture the hide even with a needle. The great thing about squid is you can keep using the same bait over and over. Make it a contest, see how many fish you can catch on a single bait.

Best of luck and let us know how it works out,

Gregg

[fish_on]

We have been useing squid whole, hooked through the head with no scent. So far 49",8',59",52"

[Fishplay]

You can indeed cut your baits small. As you know some squid can be 10 inches long. I have caught keepers and oversized fish on quite small baits.
Run you hook through the meat a couple times and then use streachy thread to tie it to the hook. It's the same stuff you use to tie a sardine wrap to your plugs. As for bait preference......the fish decide that not us. Variety is essentail when sturgeon fishing.
I fished the Fishery yesterday with both fresh and pickeld squid, roll-mop, a floater shinner(looked like a shad smolt) that came through the turbines, sardine, anchovey, and three different varieties of smelt. Yesterday the smelt was the ticket but only one variety was red hot.
Don't be afraid to combine different baits and use scent. Oh ya night crawlers are great to add to you baits (tied on with streachy thread) when you REMEMBER them.
Good Luck :smile: