17-08-2010, 02:02 PM
Never thought I would see something called a Squid Forum but here it is. I have some questions for the experts here and then one strange question.
First, I have swordfished for over a decade off the east coast of Florida(Northeast coast - St. Augustine) but this weekend, I believe I gotten eaten up by squids. No matter what bait I used, they were eaten up. I have never seen this before. Boston Macks were eaten to the bone behind the gills and in front of the tail, only on one side. Squids had one side of the mantle eaten. We thought we finally hooked whatever it was that was doing this but everytime we started gaining line, it let go so it never got the hook. All the eaten baits were 300-500' deep. Shallow baits were untouched.
The one we thought hooked put great pressure on a 50 lb class outfit. Deep bend in the rod and was not pulling drag but at times, we could not gain line.
Here come the questions:
#1. Anyone disagree that these were squids?
#2. Any quess as to what they were(species)? Any guess to size? Any food value?
#3. If you agree they were squids, would you agree this was a good or a bad spot to swordfish?
#4. We are going to find out what they were. What is the best jig to do this with?
$5. Finally, how do I NOT catch them if I am trying to swordfish?
Thanks guys.
First, I have swordfished for over a decade off the east coast of Florida(Northeast coast - St. Augustine) but this weekend, I believe I gotten eaten up by squids. No matter what bait I used, they were eaten up. I have never seen this before. Boston Macks were eaten to the bone behind the gills and in front of the tail, only on one side. Squids had one side of the mantle eaten. We thought we finally hooked whatever it was that was doing this but everytime we started gaining line, it let go so it never got the hook. All the eaten baits were 300-500' deep. Shallow baits were untouched.
The one we thought hooked put great pressure on a 50 lb class outfit. Deep bend in the rod and was not pulling drag but at times, we could not gain line.
Here come the questions:
#1. Anyone disagree that these were squids?
#2. Any quess as to what they were(species)? Any guess to size? Any food value?
#3. If you agree they were squids, would you agree this was a good or a bad spot to swordfish?
#4. We are going to find out what they were. What is the best jig to do this with?
$5. Finally, how do I NOT catch them if I am trying to swordfish?
Thanks guys.