How to Catch Market Squid
Market squid are the small Pacific squid behind West Coast calamari, gathering in huge nearshore spawning runs and caught on glow jigs under lights at night from piers and boats - fast, fun fishing for sweet, tender squid.
Squid ink stains - point them away when landing. Check local squid limits (they apply in places). Fish piers safely at night. Shellfish is a serious allergen; cook or prepare properly.
Market squid are the little Pacific squid that fill the calamari plate - small, translucent squid that gather by the millions in nearshore spawning runs and light up the night fishery when they arrive. Caught on glowing jigs under pier and boat lights, they offer fast, simple, family-friendly action, and the reward is sweet, tender squid for the pan. When the run is on, it is some of the most fun, accessible fishing there is.
Why go for them
They are easy, fast and delicious - when a run is on, a glowing jig under a light draws squid after squid, which makes for exciting, accessible fishing that kids love. The reward is sweet, tender calamari, far fresher than anything from a shop, and the gear and technique could not be simpler.
Where and when to find them
Market squid gather in dense nearshore spawning runs over sandy bottoms, coming in to spawn and drawn to light after dark. Fishing peaks during those runs, at night, from lit piers, harbours and boats. Local reports of a squid run are the signal to go; the light is what concentrates them within reach.
How to catch them
Fish a squid jig - a weighted, glowing lure ringed with fine spikes - under a pier light or a boat's light at night, working it with a gentle lift-and-drop. When a squid grabs on, lift steadily; they have no hard mouth to hook, so keep tension. Land them into a bucket and expect a squirt of ink and water.
Handling, cleaning and cooking
Point landed squid away as they ink and squirt. To clean, pull the head and guts from the mantle, remove the quill and beak, and peel the skin; save the ink if you like. Cook squid either very briefly and hot (a flash in the pan, grilled, or as calamari rings) or long and slow, as anything in between turns it rubbery.
Safety and the law
Check local squid bag limits, which apply in some areas, and fish piers and boats safely at night with good footing and lights. The ink stains, so manage it. Harvest from clean, open water, prepare and cook properly, and remember shellfish is a serious allergen. See our shellfish safety guide.