Where have all the Port Stephens squid gone

I WAS reading through some old articles I wrote years ago when I came across this story of squid.

I can clearly recall when catching squid did not offer a challenge. Anywhere from Kiddies Corner in Fingal, south to Big Rocky, squid could be found in every protected bay.

Simply by tossing out a squid jig and slowly retrieving resulted in an immediate strike, where a squid would grab the jig and take off in the opposite direction.

Once near the boat or shoreline, other accompanying squid could be seen chasing the jig.

The following story tells of the simplicity to catch squid.

The big question now is – where are the squid? Where have they gone?

There are a few odd catches being reported but nothing like it was in the good old days.

TIME to dust off the “Squidometer” as the slippery customers cruise into the quiet bays from Tomaree to Rocky Point before entering the port and resting over the weed beds in Shoal Bay.

Thumping green-eyed squid love this place, particularly Shark Bay off the Outer Light, the southern bay on Boondelbah Island and Esmeralda Cove on Broughton.

Not what you would call a real challenge, squid simply cannot resist a prawn jig moving past their noses at a gentle walking pace.

They do show surprising pace as they zoom towards the jig before striking with their candles – long tentacle-like extensions. Once “hooked” on the jig they attempt to swim away in steady, jerky movements.

What is required, when you have one on your line, is to maintain pressure without pulling too hard, as it is possible to break the tentacles off.

As the cranky squid nears the boat or rock that you are standing on – look out! These strange creatures have an amazing ability to squirt you with a black, gooey mixture that is common to their cousins, octopus and cuttlefish.

I’ve tried everything possible to avoid being “inked” however to date I have not discovered any way to get out of the road.

My only advice is to wear a black shirt and don’t worry about it.

Once caught the fun really starts.

To clean a squid is no simple task but it is important that you save the head and gut section as it is sensational snapper and mulloway bait.

The washed canopy is generally sliced into rings in preparation for the kitchen.

Crumbed, salt and peppered or simply tossed on the BBQ, calamari is great tucker.

Here’s a tip – the big squid can be a bit on the tough side. To tenderise them, cover the squid rings with blended kiwi fruit for no more than 30 minutes. You will be surprised at how tender the squid will become.

If you have any ideas as to the disappearance of squid send me your thoughts:

stinkerfishing@yahoo.com

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE