Anthony DeiCicchi and I were marveling at the number and variety of baitfish attracted to our light as we shone it over a mid-Cape dock. An hour before, we’d fired up the generator and aimed the light at the water and watched as more baitfish schooled beneath us with each passing minute. And then the squid showed. Dozens of them ghosted up from the bottom, and began darting into the light to snatch baitfish with their tentacles. Several mistook our squid jigs for baitfish and when the ink cleared 90 minutes later, Anthony and I were discussing recipes for our treasure trove of fresh calamari. Since that night at the end of April, the squid fishing has only gotten better in Southern New England, particularly for the boats.

It seems like we’re in the midst of the best spring squid run in several years. In addition to our dockside success, boats fishing day and night from Hyannis to Narragansetts are filling five-gallon buckets, often several, with squid. Many of these mollusks are destined for the bait freezer, to be thawed out and fed to fluke, sea bass, swordfish, or tuna, while more will be cut into rings and fried. More adventurous chefs might try something like stuffed squid or grilled squid to add to a salad.

Squid fishing, when it’s on, is great fun. Boats can catch them during the day by lowering high-low rigs fitted with squid jigs. (Read more about Daytime Squidding)

At night, shore fishermen have their shot at as the squid move shallow where they are attracted to lights suspended over the water. (Read more about Squid Fishing from Shore)

Even kayak fishermen, like Dustin Stevens, are getting in on the action.

Squid can’t be caught with just any old jig. The keen eyesight and unique anatomy of this cephalopod makes traditional fishing hooks and lures ineffective.  Instead, fishermen must use teardrop- or shrimp-shaped jigs fitted with “baskets,” rows of small tines designed to impale and entangle the squid’s tentacles. (Read more about Squid Jigs)

While I do love my calamari, what excites me most about a strong squid run is that it often precedes a strong run of bluefish. In fact, bluefish have already made their presence known in Rhode Island and Massachusetts by shredding soft-plastic jigs intended for freshly arriving stripers.

Most years, the spring squid run spans a couple weeks at the beginning of May, so if you want to get out there, now’s the time! You can take your own boat, hit the docks, or book one of the captains, like Cam Faria of Cambo Charters, who specializes in squid fishing this time of year.