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Bigfin Reef Squid

Common Name(s): Bigfin Reef Squid
Scientific Name: Sepioteuthis Lessoniana
Local Name(s): [Hk]Chngee Bak, [My]Torak
Precaution: Ink squirt, may bite
Edible: Yes

This 'green-eyed' squid is the main targeted species by local squiders for game and its quality meat. They can be typically found along rocky or weedy shorelines and are more commonly encountered in shallow areas but can also be found in deeper waters where there is cover for protection and ambushing of prey.

The squid has very good camouflaging ability that blends very well to its surrounding and is used to ambush prey like small fishes and crustaceans. They are typically known to be aggressive feeders, but sometimes their behaviour can be erratic. They are considered to be 'smarter' and more cautious compared to the cuttlefish. You can tell this when you try to lure to them to the surface using bait, they don't always cling on all the way and tends to let go when it gets brighter (near surface).

The Bigfin Reef Squids are active through day and night. During the day, they would dwell deeper where less light will reach, hiding among sea weed, rocks or near any form of cover. They are slightly more active during the night and will move around foraging in the dark. They can be found from solitary to small groups. Juveniles gather in tens to hundred hiding near driftwood or seaweed. Larger ones can often be found in pairs; if a squid is landed, you might want to quickly lower your bait/jig again to lure for another.

Baiting and use of squid jigs work pretty well in catching them. When using jigs, it is important to watch out for squids following behind your jig when you retrieve back (with or without squid on the line). Depending on the environmental factors and their feeding mood, the squid don't always hit the jig on the first sight. They are often curious enough to follow the jig back but more hesitate to take it. It can take several tries and change of different jigs to entice the squid to bite.

When the squid hits the jig, one must consider the surroundings to determine how you want to retrieve the squid. If you're in a weedy but open area, you may want to do a constant and slow retrieval. Fast retrieval isn't advised unless you are fishing in an area with obstacles/cover where the squid can pull into. One typical example would be fishing from jetty where squids stay near to the pillars below. A fast retrieval usually yield better chance of landing the squid in such areas.

Video Clip

Squid taking artificial jig (note: this is not the proper way to lure a squid)
 

Squid clinging onto a live bait fish

For more information about squid fishing, check out squidfish.net.
Reference: SeaDB