Jigging At Night?

[jeremiah]

Hi all you squid experts <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />



I was wondering what the deal is with jigging at night (shore based). I am guessing that unless you are fishing in the light at a jetty, then they can't see the jig, and seeing as they can't smell it, you might be wasting your time?



Should I be trying a baited jig (one of those ones where you spear a baitfish) at night and just suspend it from a float (should this be slowly retrieved to get some movement)?



Also, I have just bought a little jarvis walker jig with a flashing light inside - is this likely to give me results in unlit areas at night (like rock walls).?



Also, what is actually the best time? Twilight ends 7:40 pm here at the moment.



Many thanks in advance,

J

[mrzed]

I've caught a 2kg calamari at night from the rocks with a standard 3.5 jig (pink marble), non-rattle from memory. It was a full moon though I think

[catchnrelease]

Many people think squid are more active during the night. As you would expect, they're not high on the food chain so venturing out under the cover of darkness would help when looking for food. Squid also have exceptional eye sight which helps them detect prey and predators.



Many jigs have luminescent strips or are made from a material that is such. The amount that is luminescent varies from jig to jig, it could be a tiny strip or the whole body. This means they can be charged by being shone with light (from a torch, navigation light etc) so they stand out. Squid love light, and are attracted to it. Therefore they're attracted to the jigs.



Basically, squid are definitely active at night. Maybe even more active than during the day (I think it's about the same).

[bluewaterhunter]

hi mate

a small light near a pier is always good but a good 'fake' jig is also good 1 hr before sunset.



The most important thing for calamari is broken and rubble reef.



You could have the best jig but if it is not in the right place you are wasting your time.



cheers



Blue.

[bluewaterhunter]

BTW...I am now a veteran.



Thanks Glen.



I am so proud.... <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/xyxthumbs.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

[glen]

hahaha congratulations on 100 posts <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

[jeremiah]

Thanks for all the replies people!

Can I also ask, what is the deal with baited jigs?

Are they effective, and how should I use them (or is this another thread?)

Cheers

J

[jeremiah]

Also, when you say rubble bottom, is weed/grass OK too?

[bluewaterhunter]

No probs...happy to help fellow squidders.



Weed beds are also good, they love the weed edges to ambush prey.



Baited jigs will outfish a fake jig, even an expensive one, most of the time.



P.S- Glen you are a legend in the squid fishing community.

[jeremiah]

should I work a baited jig like a plastic one, of just let it dangle from a float?

[glen]

thanks blue! <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

[bluewaterhunter]

A float is always good with a baited jig...both techniques will be OK.



Another important thing is wind...a stiff southerly is no good. I much prefer a gentle northerly.



I fish mainly from my kayak with a torch pointed on or near the jig...you can actually see the squid follow the jig in the right conditions.



They will come right up to the yak.



Cheers



Blue.

[Acslata]

Hi Jeremiah.



I'd say about 90% or more of my squid fishing is at night. Here in RI, a lot of the night guys use leds, propane lanterns, portable generators & other light sources. I actually use a 1000w twin work light powered by a small portable generator. May sound like a lot, but I've seen more beleive it or not lol. I feel its just the right amount of light. Light up the water. Wait. The baitfish come. The squid follow & its go time.



Another major benefit of squidding with a light source is to be able to sight fish. There are many cases where the squid just wont take your offering but still "investigate", sometimes grabbing the jig & quickly letting go. If you can time it right, a quick jerk up & the squid is caught. This is all possible by lighting.

[Acslata]

Blue, thats awesome man. I'd like to try that one day.



You must get inked like crazy <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/boat.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

[jeremiah]

Thanks again for all the replies fellas, it is very helpful. I could spend a lot of empty nights out there to find out this stuff, and I travel too far to be able to do that.



Mr Brian, I assume you use your light source off jetty's?



Also, if I am fishing a baited jig below a float, what is the stop the squid getting spiked and getting off, seeing as there is no movement to set the jig?



Cheers

J

[bluewaterhunter]

Good question...there is no garauntee but a real bait on a bait spike will generally result in more active strikes by the squid.



Dont forget that as soon as you see the float go down, you need to strike and start reeling the beast in.



Back to yak....it is the most interactive form of squid fishing ever.



A form of stalking/fishing that wont get you in the lock up!!!



Cheers



Blue.

[Salty_Dog]

Did someone say "Jigging at Night" <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

[bluewaterhunter]

thats what i am talking about...

[Acslata]

[quote name='jeremiah' post='17577' date='Feb 17 2010, 04:15 AM']Thanks again for all the replies fellas, it is very helpful. I could spend a lot of empty nights out there to find out this stuff, and I travel too far to be able to do that.



Mr Brian, I assume you use your light source off jetty's?



Also, if I am fishing a baited jig below a float, what is the stop the squid getting spiked and getting off, seeing as there is no movement to set the jig?



Cheers

J[/quote]



Actually mostly off docks/bridges. Would a little tough to setup shop on the jetties <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/xyxthumbs.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />



Its all a good time. Cool peoples (most of the time). Regarding baited jigs...ive tried them. But not enough. One of the things I plan to try more often this yr...

[rocksy]

i think day or night squid are active, low light conditions in the early AM and PM give them more ambush opportunities pretty much wherever they are. At night they are attracted to lighted areas because of the same reason, but in more concentrated ares.



My rule of thumb is areas where there is food, and scructure. be it weed beds, rocky bottoms, or piers/breakwalls if you have food, weed and rocks/scructure - Bingo. Lighted areas attract squid, but it also attracts squid fishermen... so it is last on the list.