During that time of year when they're in that thick, YES - there is definately a day-bite. It's not as heavy as the night bite but it definately exists. I think during the light hours they cover more water where as at night, they tend to circle the area that they've infested for longer periods of time and feed more heavily.
I believe their attraction to lights at night is due in part to more easily spotting the bait from below as when early in the season, some of the little
buggers they feed on zip across the surface of the water. I would also imagine your fishfinder to be helpful as they swim in massive waves/schools at that time of the season.
Hope for a warm
er April and don't wait until Mother's Day
You may want to check this old thread out -
http://www.striped-bass.com/Stripert...ht=catch+squid