Frozen Squid: The Proven All-Around Saltwater Bait

Maximizing Your Success with Frozen Squid Bait

Why Frozen Squid is a Must-Have

Frozen squid is a universally accepted bait because it's a natural part of the marine food chain. Its convenience in storage and transport, combined with its proven fish-catching ability, makes it indispensable. Whether you're bottom fishing, drifting, jigging, or even trolling, squid can be adapted to nearly any presentation.

Understanding Bait Squid Quality

The most common squid species used for bait include Loligo (Longfin Inshore Squid) and Illex (Shortfin Squid). Often, high-quality bait squid is "restaurant-grade" or "calamari-grade," meaning it was processed and frozen with human consumption standards in mind, ensuring excellent freshness. Look for squid that thaws to a firm texture and has a natural, whitish color, avoiding pieces that are overly brown, mushy, or show signs of excessive freezer burn. Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) squid offers convenience, while well-packaged blocks can provide bulk value.

Sourcing and Maintaining Quality Frozen Squid

Wholesale.Fishing is committed to providing top-quality frozen squid, selected and frozen at peak freshness to retain its natural scent and texture. Proper handling and consistent freezing temperatures are key to delivering a superior bait product to your customers.

Thawing and Preparing Your Frozen Squid

• Thawing: The best method is to thaw squid slowly in the refrigerator overnight. For quicker thawing, place it in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water. Avoid using hot water or a microwave, as this can partially cook the squid and reduce its effectiveness.
• Keeping it Fresh Onboard: Once thawed, keep squid in a bait cooler with ample ice. Prevent it from soaking in meltwater by ensuring good drainage or keeping it in a sealed container within the cooler. Protect it from direct sunlight.
• Cutting Techniques:
  • Strips: Cut the mantle (body tube) into long, tapered strips, 1/2 to 1 inch wide and several inches long. These flutter enticingly in the current.
  • Chunks/Cubes: Cut the mantle into bite-sized chunks for bottom fish.
  • Rings: Slice the mantle crosswise to create natural-looking rings.
  • Tentacles: The tentacles are excellent bait, often used whole or in small clusters.
  • Whole Small Squid: For larger predators, small whole squid (3-6 inches) can be deadly.

Effective Rigging Techniques for Frozen Squid

1. Hooking Strips: Pierce the tougher end of the strip multiple times with the hook, leaving a good portion to dangle and wave in the current. Ensure the hook point is well exposed.
2. Hooking Chunks: Hook securely through the firmest part of the chunk, ensuring it won't easily tear off.
3. Hooking Whole Small Squid: Insert the hook through the mantle near the pointed end, bringing it out further down, or pass the hook through the head/eye area for a more natural "swimming" presentation if drifting or slow trolling.
4. Popular Rigs:
   • High-Low Rig / Bottom Rig: Ideal for presenting squid strips or chunks near the seabed for species like flounder, sea bass, porgies, and cod.
   • Fish-Finder (Slip Sinker) Rig: Allows for a more natural presentation, especially effective for wary fish like striped bass or fluke.
   • Jig Tipping: Add a squid strip or tentacle to a bucktail jig, diamond jig, or fluke ball to enhance it with scent and action. This is deadly for many species.
   • Trolling Rigs: Small whole squid or larger strips can be rigged on specialized trolling rigs with skirts or attractors.
   • Chunking Rigs: For tuna or other large pelagics, larger chunks or whole squid are used on heavy-duty leaders and circle hooks.

Use sharp J-hooks or circle hooks sized appropriately for your target species and the size of your squid bait. Circle hooks are particularly effective for conservation and ensuring solid hooksets in the corner of the mouth.

Pro-Tips for Fishing with Squid

• For tougher squid, lightly score the mantle with a knife to make it more pliable and release more scent.
• Create a "squid sandwich" by combining a squid strip with another bait like spearing, mackerel, or clam on the same hook for added appeal.
• Don't discard the ink sac from fresh squid if you have it! Some anglers believe the ink can be an attractant, especially in murky water, or can be used to create a "smokescreen." (Note: Most frozen bait squid will have the ink sac removed).