Introduction

• From the Strait of Juan de Fuca to southern Puget Sound, recreational squid fishing is available to sport anglers year round. The most common type of squid found in Washington is the market squid (Loligo opalescens), which measures less than 1 foot with a long tapered body and triangular tail fins. When served as food, these squid are known as calamari.
  
  

When and Where

• The best time to fish for squid is during the late fall and winter. However, from late May to February, adult squid can be found in the Strait of San Juan de Feca to South Puget Sound. Squid fishing is best done at night because squid are attracted to light, which is why public piers are a good option.
  
  

Gear

• Boats are not necessary for squid fishing. Use almost any style of rod and reel. Think "light and long" because it's best to have something that is sensitive and telegraphs slight changes. Squidders use six to 20 lb. line, though the most success is said to come from the lighter line. Use a luminous lure or one with metal embedded into it as the idea is to attract the squid to a light.
  
  

Technique

• The odds of snagging a squid are more favorable during high tide on a cloudy or rainy night. These conditions give the water the depth that squid prefer plus a setting in which the artificial light will be most noticeable. Single or multiple lures can both be used, depending on the condition of the water. This mainly depends on the light available at the pier.
  
  

Cautions to Squid Fishing

• Squids emit a dark ink as a defense mechanism against intruders. Don't stress too much about the ink because it is water-soluble. Squid do have a parrot-like beak and can bite. Although this is unlikely, they can and do bite at enemies.