Squid-Licious

Our Man in the Puget Sound Squid Jigging Pro

Yes, Squid Fishing...actually, Squid Jigging. And the Squid do eat the Jig!


EBitty and his fishing pursuits grow and vary by the season. He will soon be seen guiding during the peak of the Squid Bite...which I believe coincides with the Holiday Season. What could be better than dropping by the dock after work, or near dark and a high tide...actually after dark when it can be imperative to break away from American Idol and Jig up some Squid!



According to Ikasashi from Washington State..."In the past 20 years, Puget Sound Winter squid season started in mid-late October with a bang, but the last 2-3 years have been a total bust. The reason is unknown. Over-fishing(not likely?), water temperature?, natural cycle?At any rate, this year is not very promising either, as I caught only 6 mini-squid (4 inches) in 3 hours at Elliot Bay last week. Normally, you'd catch at least 10-20 jumbo squid (8-10 inches) if you jigged for 3 hours, but it's still too early to give up your hope. May be it's just late this year....."



The Ikasashi report is straight from the Puget Sound Squid Fishing Forum on squidfish.net. I can honestly say...interesting site. Spent at least an hour there checking out super cool squid shit! After all, it is 17F out the front door and blizzarding like a bastard here in Craig Montana...and a guy can get easily lost on such sites on the InterWeb.



But as far as I know, Bitty is our only liaison to Squid Fishing Greatness. Not only is he the only one I know who has been, he has his own Squid Fishing Dolly. He informed me that he has moved up to version 2.0. The previous, version 1.0, was too loud, not having pneumatic tires, and may have pissed off the regulars down at the pier while approaching the fertile grounds.



The Cart consists of a Honda generator, 2 buckets filled with the necessities...jigs, extension cords for the 2 Halogen Lamps with articulating arms and various attachment devices, snacks, rigging materials, swivel snaps, fluorocarbon...etc.



Squidfish.net is the authority as far as I know. Which is not much. Very little . But am willing to learn. Because, who doesn't love Calamari. Here is a short synopsis of what I understand about Squid Jigging.



There are 2 runs. Basically a winter and a summer run with the largest mature squid being caught in December and July. These are the 8-12" versions. Delicious. The catch rates vary by the day and by the location...just like normal fishing...for any species.



The Puget Sound is witnessing a slow year, according to the forums. Not for lack of trying...Squid Fishers are as hardcore as the rest of us loonies possessed by the fishing disease. When is the last time you cut your time on the water short because of slow conditions. Beats the hell out of reality buddy!



Finding squid is not hard...or so I'm told. They like piers, jetty's, rocky shorelines. They also like clear water, in the 10'-20' range with some light nearby...hence the Halogen lights. Some of the best public piers have power outlets avail. for the lights anglers bring. The pro's provide their own generator in case there is a crowd at the local hot-spot.



Dropping the Jig to the bottom and jigging it up seems to be the preferred method. Although reading the experts suggestions...there are many tricks of the trade and specific techniques for various water conditions, temps, incoming or outgoing tides, and of course...those damn spooky squid.



When you find spooky squid, start searching for less fished areas, with little or no pressure. Sounds familiar to me, you? Another fella suggested varying your jigging speeds. Just like streamer fishing. If one method does not work, simply change it. True in all fishing situations. Lighten up your tackle...your rod, weight, the takes may be very soft and lighter tackle can let you achieve the proper feel.



Squid Fanatics circle the globe. It is popular around the Pacific Rim, as would be expected with popular regions including The West Coast, Asia, and Australia being the most popular Squid Destinations. Book your trip early for next season. The prime times and guides book early!



This is just like any other fishing pursuit. Whether it be with a fly rod or not. That is not the point. The winner is someone who gets out often and continues to learn and enjoy fishing. An attachment with the outdoors and conversations with others really drive ourselves and others in our strange and genuine cult.


So, where is your "Secret Squid Spot?"

pics Mark Raisler

Craig Bridge Pt 2

The bid came in at $9,999.00 by the Elkhart Bridge Company of Indiana. It was for a steel structure, 3 span, wooden plank, bridge spanning the Missouri River at Craig, Mt. Construction began shortly thereafter in late summer 1902. On the right you can see the proposal that the commission accepted which is Z-A-3.

Completion of the now Historic Bridge was in 1904. It had stood proudly across the river for 100+ years until it's ultimate demise. Age. Nothing lasts forever, not even concrete. The county commissioners insisted on the best concrete available for longevity of the bridge. They made the right call, based on the century mark achieved by the bridge.

The bridge stanchions were the demise of the bridge and it was replaced by the current sterile 2 lane bridge standing below, downstream, of the original structure.

Save the Permit

Local outfitter and former Florida Keys guide/Permit guru Capt. Michael Guerin has been keeping us up to speed on the issue of Permit management by the State of Florida. Most of our staff and many of our customers spend time on the Keys every year, often chasing these spectacular fish. Although it's not an issue close to most Montana anglers, the picture attached to this morning's email really sent me off, however...

Capt. Guerin says it best:

Friends,

I urge all of you to take a moment a read this brief summary of what is currently happening in the State of Florida in regard to permit. It is a travesty to say the least. It would behoove all of us, whether you have caught a permit or just dream of it, to take a few minutes and write a note of support favoring giving permit "gamefish" status in Florida.

Thank You,

MJG

Michael Guerin
www.fullcircleoutfitters.com

I didn't post the rather lengthy PDF summary, but the state of Florida refuses to classify Permit as gamefish. Spear fishermen are murdering them on the wrecks during the spawn, and they are sold as bycatch by commercial fishermen as well. If you would like to learn more, write a letter or help in any way, you can contact Jon Ain at <falcatusdude@gmail.com>, he leading the charge.

Words of Wisdom...Be Pro-Active

mark raisler photo

This found on the sidewalk in Anacortes Washington. It is attached next to the road drain and drains directly to the Puget Sound.

A gentle reminder to never dump stuff into the ground that we need to get rid of. It will make it to the water and will kill something.

I know it's hard to always obey, just try to do the right thing. If we do this , good things will happen.

Who knows, maybe the fish gods will reward you with a GIANT BROWN this year. Or maybe not. But you will sleep better at night.

Black Friday...

Fishing Freaks 4am @ Headhunters Fly Shop

Hey Lady, don't bum rush the fly bins. There are plenty to go around. Calm Down M'am!

"Mom, that man took the last 4 1/2 dozen sz 12 Royal Wulff's." It's OK son, you aren't old enough to fish dry flies yet!" AHH MOM.


Hoping you all made it through the day without incident at your local retailer.

Time for Ourselves

Thanksgiving weekend usually marks the end of the season in Craig. Izaak's is running weekend hours. Flyshops are barely open. People are traveling. Hunting season is nearing the end. For all that work and live in the Canyon, it's a time to relax and spend some time together.

The Thanksgiving food line at Izaak's | John Arnold

This was the fourth year that John and Melanie hosted Thanksgiving dinner for those who are around Craig. It was a delicious meal as usual. There were about 20 in attendance, and it was a mellow affair. Turkey, oyster dressing, a new version of green bean casserole (by Pat Lay), a chipolte sweet potato dish, red wine and some dessert. Thanks again to John and Melanie for inviting us all over.

What else is going on? Well, Ben (and soon John and Mark) are gearing up to redo the inside of the shop again. It's going to be a major project, and we will be closed for all but shuttles beginning Monday. The Trout Shop can of course provide you with any flies or terminal tackle while we're torn up. We will try and be around on weekends to provide shuttles.

Roger and the "Truth Box" | John Arnold

This is the time of year we also begin to see local guide Roger Panciotti dragging his green South Fork through town daily. Roger fishes more during the winter than anyone else. He stopped by the other day to show us the "Truth Box". Roger must be very suspicious. He apparently does not trust the numbers he hears. The Truth Box looks pretty cool. You can actually fill it with water while you measure the fish. Roger, if you weren't a fishing guide, I'd tell you you have too much time on your hands. But you're a fishing guide. And it's winter...


Some have asked if I fished or just filmed on my Redfish trip. Seriously? You don't think I'd fish?...

Schooner Rejoice LaConner Wa. 11/26/09

Mark Raisler photo

This scene reminds us of how fortunate and privileged we are to reside in this

wonderful land with our phenomenal resources...water, friends, and fishing

Let's give thanks!

Seeing this schooner this morning reminded me of an appropriate quote from Mark Twain...

"Twenty years form now you will be

more disappointed by the things that you

didn't do than the ones you did do.

So throw off the bow lines. Sail away from the

safe harbor. Catch the winds in your sails.

Explore. Dream. Discover."