Squid bait.

[keana]

I have never been a lover of using fish bait from the shore as i`ve had little success when using it. (probably because I didnt know how to use it then either) Now that i`ve started boat fishing I gather it is one of the best baits to use particularly for fish of the cod variety. So........pardon my ignorance but..I would appreciate it if someone could answer a few questions about using squid for bait in a boat........pleassssse. I know the venue makes a difference so i`m talking about Bristol Channel cod specifically.
1 Should they be used one at a time or a few at a time? How many squid should I use per cast for a typical cod bait?
2 Should it be skinned?
3 Should it be gutted or just the plastic taken out or doesnt it matter?
4 Should it be used as a cocktail with another bait or is it as good on its own ?
5 Should it be wrapped with elastic or can it just be secured on a trace rigged with pennel hooks?
6 Should it just be used as a tipping bait with worm or would it be effective if a load of King rag were wrapped up in a squid or two?
7 Are the heads as good as the bodies?
8 Is it better than frozen mackerel ?

Also......i`ve seen fresh frozen, raw, Indonesian prawns for sale in a supermarket. Are these any good?

[Portland Pirate]

Hi Keana.

I will try to answer your questions to the best of my knowledge. Having not had much experiance fishing the channel some of the other guys will probably have some different ideas to mine. Basically though it is pretty much the same in most areas. I use Calamari Squid most of the time, but every now and then I get fresh large squid from one of my mates.

1. If I am using Squid on its own, Which is not that often as I prefer cocktails, I would use 2 or 3 squid for a Cod bait. I know that some of the guys fishing the channel and the Solent put 6 or 7 on. This obviously creates a larger scent trail and in the low visibility water of the Channel it could be advantageous.

2. I never skin my squid unless I am using it cut into thin strips to tip of another bait. If you skin it, it is a much brighter white.

3. As above there is no need to gutt it or remove the bone.

4. I prefer to use it as a cocktail most of the time. Either with Mackerel or worm. It is a great bait for Bass from the shore used whole and cast just behind the surf line. I also like to split a whole squid, remove the bone and stuff it with fresh lugworm, then wip it all back together with bait elastic.

5. If I am casting it I wrap it in elastic and I always use a pennel rig with a big bait. If I am just dropping it down tide I don't use elastic.

6. It is a fantastic bait for tipping. Especaily for Plaice, Whiting and Bream. I don't use parcels of Ragworm as I prefer Lug.

7. Heads can sometimes be better than bodies as the tentacles are a good visual attractor.

8. Both Squid and frozen Mackerel have there place.

I have access to live prawns so I don't know how effective they would be. I have used them abroad with success.

I hope the above helps you out.

[keana]

Thats a fantastic reply Portland P. Thanks for taking the trouble. I`ll feel a bit easier using it now and even more confident after i`ve got a few fish on the deck.

[big guy]

i'm really a shore angler so don't often use whole squid and hardly ever use multiple squid. cut into strips it makes a excellent tip. the heads can be cut into 3 or 4 pieces so you can make mini heads. some people swear by popping the eyes for more scent.

thats all i can tell you really.

[keana]

Thanks big guy