What to Know When Fishing for Squid

Squid in their natural habitat. Stock/Pixabay

Squid. Stock/Pixabay

If you like calamari, May is your month. That’s because May is primetime for squid fishing in New England.

As water temperatures climb into the low 50s, squid move inshore to feed in estuaries, coves, and bays, making them prime targets for smart anglers.

Squid usually approach shore on a flood tide and they feed through the start of the ebb. During the day, they can often be found near the bottom in 15 to 20 feet of water. Look for them along shoals, channels, and in depressions.

But the most reliable squid fishing is done at night. That’s when squid move toward light sources, which attract their prey. Great nighttime hangouts for squid are wharves, piers, lighted docks and bridges. Some squid fishermen even bring their own lights.

To hunt squid, you’ll want to use a light rod-and-reel outfit and squid jigs, which are oblong lures featuring upturned spikes. The color of your jig can be a big help. Good basic colors include red, pink and fluorescent green.