Newport Ri 2014 Squid Season

[BillG]

Hi guys, I've heard about RI squidding for years but never motivated myself to purchase the necessary gear/lures/lights until this year. Was wondering if someone could help answer a few questions for me:


1. I understand that the squid are now in. How long will they be around?


2. Are flashlights/spotlights really necessary or are green neon glow sticks (attached to the jig) just as good?


3. I've heard nothing but great stories about the GI causeway, but can anyone advise on other squid hot-spots in Jamestown, Scarborough, Narragansett, and East Matunick?


Thanks in advance?

 

1. Squid are around from Spring through Fall. It becomes harder to catch them in huge quantities when all the blues, stripers, and fluke move in.

 

2. My experience is that a flashlight/spotlight is almost worthless. It lights up too small an area at too low of an intensity to attract any bait. There are many options outside of the halogen/generator deal. There are flourescent submersible lights which clip to a car battery. You can use a propane lantern. You can find an area that is lit with a streetlight. I can't comment on glow sticks. Most squid jigs have some glow component. The whole bodies glow on some of them while others just have a glowing ring.

 

3. GI is a great place to squid for one reason only. First, and most important, it is a great place to squid because people squid there. That means that there are lots of lights attracting lots of squid. You can go there with just a rod and a jig and a bucket and catch plenty of squid. I've been told that there are much better private docks in Newport which produce far more squid to those who have access to them but few people have access. The biggest downside to squidding GI is that it's nearly impossible to find free parking and the pay-parking is a couple blocks away which is a pain if you are carrying 50 lbs. of lighting equipment and, on the return, a 5-gallon bucket of squid. If you really know the area, you can find the free parking but it's far better to go with a group of people who can hold your gear while one person parks the car and walks back. As for other spots, the best spot is the spot that you have access to with the right conditions (a cove/harbor thats not too rocky with some weed).