Purchase: Squid is a very under-rated bait for Sea-Angling here in Britain, although in continental Europe it is used more widely. Squid is usually purchased in a box containing approx. 1 dozen from the tackle shop. I would advise that you are not tempted to buy it from Fishmongers or supermarkets; firstly it works out very expensive, secondly the squid may have been 'treated' with additives or preservatives, which will deter fish.
Use: Depending on what type of fish you are going for, you can either use the head and guts of the squid, or use slivers (Like Mackerel slivers). Cut a circular sliver (Try saying that after a few 'medicinal' whiskey's)of squid about 1 cm across, loop this onto a size 2 or 4 hook, add half a ragworm (See my article on this subject) to increase the visual stimulus an the scent. If you are using the head and guts then us a size 1 or 1/0 hook, and don't bother with the worm. Do not use the head and guts tactic for float-fishing, about the only thing you'll get will be a cuttlefish (And have you ever tried hooking one of those little beggars?). I prefer the floating approach, especially as most of my fishing is done off a pier.
To catch?: Squid are the prey of many fish, and most will pick up a piece floating gently in the water. Pollock find squid quite a delicacy, and 3-4lb fish are not rare on the Squid-worm cocktail. I have found that Mackerel tend to shy away from Squid, trying to add a sliver of Mackerel didn't improve matters. Bass are also keen to chew up a piece of prime invertebrate, so look out for a few bars of silver on the end of your line come June and July.
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(+) Cheap to do when done correctly, good results. (-) FEAR FACTOR - You will look silly if you do it without results. Difficult to carry a large amount.
a very helpful review, i found this to be very informative and a good review..well done..zrxsheep..
sharkman 14.05.2001 15:57
You say that t is not a good bait to use on it's own, well i tend to use it for coarse fishing for Wels catfish and have caught fish up to 72lb using it. Cheers for a good op.
RobinLawrie 10.05.2001 09:36
Nice op on a pukka bait, I use it whenever I can (N/E coast, nothing like a squid cocktail.....Robin
Advantages: The best boot for curling a football and one touch control. Disadvantages: The pads on the flat of the foot wear down if you use them too much.
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