Bait Guide

Bait is in store purchase ONLY, we DO NOT ship bait


Squid
loligo picillex pic
Loligo Pealei
(Boston Squid)

Other names: Long-finned squid, or Winter squid, Calamari

Loligo Pealei is valued on both sides of the Atlantic for its superior quality and taste as food. Here, it's just fish BAIT!

We carry these in 2 sizes:
6 - 8" in 1 lb. box
8 -10" individually packed large squid (commonly called "Jersey Squid")


NEAT STUFF:
Chromatophores (pigment cells distributed in the epidermis) of a newly hatched squid, 3 mm long. The change in size of chromatophores enables cephalopods to rapidly change colors.
immature squid
Illex Illecebrosus
(Summer Squid)

Other names: Short-finned squid

Illex is a fast growing squid caught in the deep waters of the Northwestern Atlantic Ocean. Illex squid is landed from late May throughout the fall. The size of the squid varies greatly from the beginning to the end of the season. May is typically 50 grams each in weight with tube lengths of 14-16 cm. By late September sizes have increased to averages of 350 grams and 20 cm.

aero pic Nototodarus gouldi
(Arrow Squid)

Other names: Gould's Squid, Aeroplane Squid, Aero Squid, Seine boat Squid and Torpedo Squid.
Spawning occurs in all months. They are relatively short lived, probably reaching a maximum age of only 12 months. Arrow squid are distributed through southern half of Australia. The squid is more sturdy than our Atlantic ocean loligo/illex, with thicker tentacles, and thicker, white meat.
We carry this squid PRE-cleaned, no skin, no guts, you are paying for pure bait only! No waste, less work for you. aero cleaned

PREPPING/Cleaning the Squid:

Cut off head (use for bait) and remove guts. It is sometimes easier to loosen the pen (translucent piece along the back of the squid) by running knife between it and the squids body to separate the two. Remove squid wings trim these up for bait. Remove outer skin - you can use a knife or your fingers to work it loose. After all that you should have a nice white clean squid tube ready use. Slice open the tube, spread and cut squid into aprox. 1/4-1/2" wide by 3-4"long strips.

NOTE: If you'd rather avoid the extra work, try the pre-cleaned squid.
Catching Squid:

Canyon areas with really deep waters (out where the Tuna and Swordfish roam) are the best areas to jig for squid from what we've read. Use bright light on the water surface to draw bait fish, will see the squids come up as well. Also use your fishfinder � if marking bait at 200-300ft depth, sink a squid jig down to jig for them. They will also hit on drifted tuna baits. Best time seems to be evenings.

If you like calamari to eat � you sure couldn't get any fresher!

Squid Jigs available via our online catalog and at the shop:
http://store.scottsbt.com/Misc-Lures-C432.aspx