Market Squid
Loligo opalescens

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Overview
Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Baja California north to Alaska. Most abundant from Central California to Southern California. Forms massive spawning aggregations nearshore on shallow sandy bottom — particularly around Monterey Bay and the Channel Islands. The most commercially important squid in the California Current system.
Preferred Water Temperature: 52°F–62°F. A schooling, migratory species that ascends to the surface at night to feed and retreats to deeper water during the day. Major spawning aggregations occur in nearshore areas on sandy bottom — observable from shore.
Size & Weight: Typically 6–12 inches mantle length. The dominant baitfish of the California Current — the primary prey of Rockfish, Lingcod, Salmon, and many other species. Outstanding as both bait and food. Excellent eating — the most common squid used in California calamari dishes.
Best Lures: Small squid jigs with barbed crown fished near the surface at night are effective. Any small luminescent jig produces catches from surface schools.
Best Baits: N/A as a target — Market Squid are themselves the premier bait for virtually all California sport fish. Catch them during nighttime aggregations with squid jigs or cast nets. Fresh-dead squid is the top bait for Halibut, Rockfish, Lingcod, Leopard Shark, and almost every other California bottom fish.