Chunking squid.
 

Was doing some reading and was wondering how many chunk fresh squid for big spring bass? I see that it was a very effective technique, but who still does it now? :huh:

Whole squid, 8/0 Gami Circle, dropper rig with 6-8 oz. on the bottom, reel engaged, fish the rod in a spike and don't pick it up till its over hard(unless it suddenly goes slack, then reel like hell).

I have often thought about it, but never tried ity. That is pretty much my procedure on chunking as a whole these days. :confused:

I rarely throw bait but will on rare occasion when my the better half wants to go.I've taken a 20# and 26# on squid over the years,nothing major but considering I bait fish once or twice a year it isn't to bad.

I just started trying it this year and it's saved my season. I got my first keeper of the year doing it. I pre-cut the squids into 1/3rds before heading out and store them in a zip-lock. I've been fishing the chunks on a circle hook with a little egg sinker (1/4 oz) and bouncing it along the beach. Sometimes you can't beat fresh bait.
It's amazing how much tougher the fresh squid is vs the frozen stuff.

Any advice on what kind of rig to use? Whole or peices??

whole

whole, and the fresher the better.

thread twice - once through the mantle and then below the eye.

on a fish finder rig?

Does it have to be fresh?? Only have fresh frozen from about a week ago.

So if I bought some fresh large squid at the fish store, when fishing, will one hook suffice? The head won't seperate from the body when casting etc?

Any other advice?

even if its abt 12 inches or more? dude, do u want to do some fishing? i only have two weeks of my break then im back to rit for summer.

joey, pm me with your free dates.

chef -double circle hook rig, depending on size of squid...distance between the hooks. bottom hook gets hooked in the eye, top hook up inside the mantle and feed your leader out the end of the mantle. drift in a rip...... hold on

The one big problem I see with squid would be...everything that swims would want to eat it, so it's "hook longevity" would be short unless bass were near by (I am talking about surf casting of course). If I was fishing it from the surf it would have to be fresh and whole...I don't like small bass, big offering equals... well you know.
I was just wondering if it is common practice and if not, why? Is it because chunking is not that popular?

DJ you are correct, everything eats squid, but for a couple more weeks, everything is not here yet.
Traditionally big bait, big fish, but with squid I find that this is not as true. I like squid under 12 inches long, any bigger is a waist and you will have alot of missed hook sets.
I fish it with a 9/0 Gamagatsu, one time threw the tail end of the body and thats it. Big bass will pick it up, then inhale it, any more times will effect the presentation. No wight is needed 70% if the time and when I do use it, no more the 2oz ( I feel the bass does not need to feel the extra tension the wieght presence) . The bass will usually give it a bump then pick it up and slowly move on her way.Drop the rod tip with the run for about a 3 count then cross her eyes.

BAIT...you are talking "surf" right? Just want to be clear. I would assume a relatively short leader?

DJ

Did you get my email?

DZ

Yes sir! :uhuh:

Yes, surf. Leader is about 24'.
Although I have used the basic same technique from the boat with great results.

A couple of my friends chunk squid all the time.....whole squid on a fish finder rig.....they do pretty well with it.

Try this chunking recipe .. stuffed squid .. You know those styrafoam peanut packing material in boxes around fragile stuff. stick one or two of those in a squid head and put hook thru underneath .. Squid floaty..

if u can live squid is always a good thing!