Squids are a large detachment of ten-armed cephalopods. Outwardly, most species of squid are quite similar, but the sizes vary greatly. Although the most widespread species usually measure up to 0.5 m. At the same time, individuals of giant species can grow more than 16 m. Squids have a torpedo-shaped, purlin body, five pairs of tentacles, which may differ in length and location of suckers. Squids breathe with comb gills. The sense organs are the eyes, the primitive organs of balance, and the specific elements of the skin. Hearing is practically not developed. Of the morphological features, it is worth noting the presence of a rudimentary element of the body, the so-called. “gladius” – a cartilaginous arrow that runs along the entire body of the squid, as well as the presence of three hearts. An unusual ability of squids is the regeneration of organs.
The animal moves with the help of jet propulsion. Squids are active, pack predators. Most often, the prey of most adult animals is small fish, in addition, the diet includes zooplankton and various inhabitants of the bottom areas of the sea. Different breeds of squid can specialize in a certain type of food or change living conditions and diet during the season. Squids are able to live at various depths. The exact depth of the squid habitat is unknown, but it may exceed 8000 m. Considering that squids themselves are food for many aquatic animals, it is worth mentioning their protective device – the “ink bomb”. A caught squid can also shoot a jet of liquid at the fisherman. In addition, in moments of danger, some animals are able to jump out of the water, flying considerable distances in the air. Among the many species, it is worth pointing out the most frequently caught by amateur fishermen: Pacific, Commander, Argentine, ordinary (European). Species such as the giant and colossal (Antarctic) colmar hold the record for the largest cephalopod and can be dangerous to divers. Large species of squid often attack fishing lures, while there is practically no chance of catching them on amateur gear. Some species are characterized by feeding and spawning migrations.
Fishing methods
On the territory of Russia, squid fishing is available in the Far East. The main method of catching molluscs is fishing using various specialized rigs using a method similar to sheer jigging. In addition, fast horizontal and vertical postings are used. In most cases, the most convenient tackle is powerful marine spinning rods equipped with appropriate reels and cords. A feature of squid is the reaction to fast moving equipment. Most specialized baits are equipped with metal “combs” instead of the usual hooks. The absence of underwear requires, when pulling up the hooked squids, to do a quick wiring without lowering and stopping. All this implies the use of large coils with a high gear ratio. Rods equipped with inertial reels with a large drum diameter have some advantage. But fishing with them requires a certain skill and experience. With all this, the size of the mass species of squid does not imply particularly powerful gear. When choosing the right gear, it is rather worth proceeding from the principle of reliability and convenience when fishing from a ship. Squid fishing is carried out, most often at twilight and at night. Animals are lured with light. For this, various lamps or equipment with light-accumulative elements are used. A large number of such products are produced. They may have a peculiar, and sometimes exotic appearance, but are subject to only one thing – to lure a flock of squid. Fishing can be quite successfully carried out in the daytime, while luminous elements are not needed.
Baits
In the past, and even now, the inhabitants of Primorye caught and still catch squid on ordinary spinners. To do this, use traditional vertical lures, such as a jig. In recent years, most amateur anglers, including European ones, prefer specialized lures designed specifically for such fishing. They are made in various versions in many Asian countries: Korea, Japan, China and others. An important nuance when choosing baits and rigs is the feature of squids to change color under the influence of electrical discharges. This is the basis for fishing and baiting methods using luminous elements. Specialized baits are the so-called “squid”. This is a separate type of lure, which is somewhat different from the usual for most Russian anglers or is modernized wobblers, analogues of pilkers and their modifications.
Places of fishing and habitat
Squid live in most climatic zones, but are most common in subtropical and temperate regions. Some northern species are smaller and, as a rule, do not differ in a variety of colors. In the Black Sea, there are no squids, like other cephalopods, this is due to the low salinity of the water. In Russian waters, the most famous squid living in the waters of the Pacific region. Here you can catch shellfish even in the summer waters of the Sea of Okhotsk. In Primorye, flocks of squid appear at the end of July. In addition, squids live in most of the seas washing Europe, from the Northern to the Adriatic. Catching squid in the Mediterranean Sea is very popular and practiced in fishing tours.
Reproduction
Squid breeding has a number of features that distinguish the family from other marine life. Sexual maturity in many species of molluscs can occur after a year of existence. Spawning seasons for squid of different species may differ, including, this is due to the habitat. In addition, there may be several of them per year, for example, in spring and autumn, like the commander’s squid. The females lay egg capsules. They can be fastened in the form of sausages or ribbons, as well as vymetyvaya separately. Depending on the species, it may occur in the water column or attach to the ground.