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Jesse's Hunting > Fishing Articles > Fishing Articles Archives > Squid Run in Southern California Presents a Unique Fishing Adventure
Squid Run in Southern California Presents a Unique Fishing Adventure
Dave Blake - JHO ProStaff
- Southern California
February 26, 2005
A rare occurrence is happening in the waters off of Southern California. Giant Humboldt Flying Squid are forming in large schools and even washing up on the beaches. Offshore fishing charters are filling boats with fisherman eager to tie into one of these giants that can reach weights in excess of 40 pounds and lengths of 6 feet.
My friend Patrick and I decided to give it a whirl on one of Helgren's Sportfishing night boats out of Oceanside. Helgren's is a fishing charter that is really easy to get to. Just a short drive down the 5 freeway to the Harbor Drive exit at Oceanside and you are there.
Their boats are roomy and well equipped with a knowledgeable crew and a galley serving up food and beverages for hungry anglers.
We left the dock at about 6:15pm and headed to a spot about 4 miles out to sea. The captain was looking for squid schools on the fish finder. When the squid were located, he shut the engines down and drifted with the current.
The squid were 300 feet down, but easy to get to with the eight ounce torpedo weights tied below 4 to 7 inch glow-in-the-dark squid jugs. The technique was simple enough, just drop the rig over the side and free spool to whatever depth the squid happened to be and jig the rig up and down.
Strikes are easy to detect. Squid grab on and pull with water jet propulsion. This makes for a powerful strike and a fight that can last quite a while with larger specimens.
Patrick was able to hook into one shortly after we began fishing. His rod had a deep bend in it as the squid took line from the reel. Once the squid was hooked, the fisherman's dance began as Patrick switched places with other anglers trying to prevent crossing lines.
After about a 10-minute fight, the squid was gaffed over the side jetting water and ink all over the place (this is where a poncho comes in handy.) When landed, the squid show a brilliant reddish color, but this quickly changes as their pigment cells flash various patterns.
Patrick hooked and lost a couple more squid before the trip was over. This wasn't such a bad thing because the 15-pounder he did land will supply about 10 thick steaks to cook various ways.
The gear you will need is a heavy action bait-casting outfit spooled with at least 30lb test line, 8-ounce torpedo sinkers, 4 to 7 inch squid jigs and a strong back.
These squid could be gone any day now, so anyone wanting to tie into one of these brutes should book a trip ASAP. You don't want to let this opportunity “squid” away.
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