Squid around Cairns.

[Nicko_Cairns]

Hey guys,

Any particular spots worth mentioning for squid in/near the inlet and near yorkey's? Just want some live squid for fingermark bait. Am making my own LED squid light, will post it on here when done.

Also, don't plan on keeping a lot but is there a limit of squid I can take home and freeze for offshore bait? Just want to make sure I don't break the rules...have a fish guide here somewhere....

Thanks,

Nicko.

[Nicko_Cairns]

Bueller? Bueller? Bueller??

[Scott nthQld]

squid don't have a limit and you'll get them anyplaces you catch your fingermark. just hang the light over the side while you fish, creates your own little eco system, if you don't get any squid to come around you will get little bugs, prawns, herring and yakka.

Sorry I can't be more specific, but i don't know the Cairns area. Ideally catching squid under a light the darker the better, so around the new moon period or when there is a late moon rise. If there is other light in the area (like the moon) they spread out a lot more and you often can't get them to come in close enough to scoop them up, if at all. Keep them in a plumbed bait tank to keep fresh water going in at all times and don't overcrowd (10 squid for a 20l tank maximum) otherwise they will choe the water with ink, attack each other and die.

Also having the light in thw water at all times creates your own burley trail, the bugs and little shit is attracted to the light, which bring in the small prawn and baitfish, which bring around the bigger bait, like squid, greenback and yakka, and down deep will bring around the fingermark. You will know if there is fingermark waiting on the bottom if the squid stay close to the surface.

[Moffy]

and remember to chuck a squid jig in as well - many times they will hang down deep - out of range of the net.

was bringing a big fingermark up one time and it scared the bejesus out of about 20 squid that were hanging deep under the light - they all came screaming to the top when the big finger was brought up.

[Nicko_Cairns]

cool, thanks guys will give it a crack.