Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Tierra del Fuego north to Prince William Sound, Alaska (during range expansions). Most commonly associated with the Humboldt Current system off Peru and Chile but has dramatically expanded its range northward in recent decades. A major fishery off Southern California and Mexico. A highly migratory, schooling species.
Preferred Water Temperature: 59°F–77°F. A mid-water to surface species that ascends to shallow water at night to feed. Associated with upwelling zones and the oxygen-minimum layer. Forms massive schools numbering thousands of individuals.
Size & Weight: Typically 2–4 feet mantle length and 5–20 lbs. Large individuals reach 6 feet and 100 lbs. An aggressive predator — known as "red devil" by Mexican fishermen for their color-changing ability and aggression when caught. Excellent eating — popular as calamari steaks.
Best Lures: Squid jigs (luminescent or glow-in-dark jigs with barbed crowns) are the standard and most effective approach. Jig at night at depths of 100–400 feet. Large red or orange jigs produce well during active feeding.
Best Baits: N/A — caught almost exclusively on squid jigs. Night fishing in areas of dense concentrations (detectable on fish finders as thick mid-water layers) produces extraordinary numbers. Always use a gaff or bucket — their beaks and arms can cause injuries.
Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Tierra del Fuego north to Prince William Sound, Alaska (during range expansions). Most commonly associated with the Humboldt Current system off Peru and Chile but has dramatically expanded its range northward in recent decades. A major fishery off Southern California and Mexico. A highly migratory, schooling species.
Water Conditions
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59°F–77°F. A mid-water to surface species that ascends to shallow water at night to feed. Associated with upwelling zones and the oxygen-minimum layer. Forms massive schools numbering thousands of individuals.
Tackle & Bait
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Best Lures:
Squid jigs (luminescent or glow-in-dark jigs with barbed crowns) are the standard and most effective approach. Jig at night at depths of 100–400 feet. Large red or orange jigs produce well during active feeding.
Best Baits:
N/A — caught almost exclusively on squid jigs. Night fishing in areas of dense concentrations (detectable on fish finders as thick mid-water layers) produces extraordinary numbers. Always use a gaff or bucket — their beaks and arms can cause injuries.
Size & Sport
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Typically 2–4 feet mantle length and 5–20 lbs. Large individuals reach 6 feet and 100 lbs. An aggressive predator — known as "red devil" by Mexican fishermen for their color-changing ability and aggression when caught. Excellent eating — popular as calamari steaks.
