Squid Species: The UK has six species of squid but, the general consensus is that the shore angler will encounter two. The European common squid (Alloteuthis subulata) and the European squid (Loligo vulgaris).

1. The European common squid (Alloteuthis subulata source Wikipedia) is usually referred to as the spring squid as it visits shallow waters around the south and southwest of England in April and May.

2. The European squid (Loligo vulgaris source Wikipedia) is usually referred to as the autumn squid as it moves in shore in September and October. It’s a large squid with its mantle being as long 45cm.

The largest species of squid in UK waters is the veined squid (Loligo forbesii source Wikipedia), it's mantel grows to 90cm resulting in a total length over 1m. The shore angler is unlikely to encounter the veined squid. This is the most important commercial squid species with most being caught in Scottish waters (Moray Firth) in the summer and autumn. (Source, University of Aberdeen)

Conditions: Good water clarity is required and the tide should not be strong. Most success from the shore is on an incoming tide but, squid can also be caught at low tide.

Techniques: Recreational anglers are using two methods of catching squid. Float fishing and jigging.

1. Float fishing is the most common method of squid fishing. The movement of the waves should give enough life to the jig for the squid to be interested. On calm days slowly winding the reel is needed.

2. Jigging (also called egging) is growing in popularity among anglers trying squid fishing from a lure fishing back ground. You’re constantly working the jig just above the bottom up to the middle of the water column. During the spring you may also catch cuttlefish lurking on the seafloor. The downside of jigging is you’ll lose tackle on the bottom.

Another less common method of jigging from the shore is dropshotting with multiple squid jigs. The main advantage of dropshotting vs jigging is that you'll save money by losing less jigs in snaggy areas. This method will also help you reach the bottom when fishing in stronger tides. You can use just one non-weighted jig or more as required.

Squid Fishing Tackle:

1. Jigs: A selection of different colours and weights is advised. For float fishing you’ll only need light squid jigs but, for jigging you’ll need jigs weighing between 10g > 40g.

Generally when water clarity is good you should use natural looking squid jigs and if the water is murky, then deploy brighter coloured jigs.

2. Line: For float fishing any light line is fine. If you’re jigging then braid and a light leader will help you find the bottom and feel takes.

3. Clips: There are quick release clips designed specifically for jigging squid jigs but, any lure clip will suffice.

4. Rod: For float fishing the rod isn't so important but, when jigging a light lure fishing rod should be used to help you feel squid.

5. Reel: Any light lure fishing reel (1000>4000) is perfect.

6. Net: You will need a long handled net or drop net as many a squid is lost at the landing stage.

7. Lights: More research on squid fishing at night with lights is being conducted and Lure Geek's view will be shared following that testing.

Playing: Once you feel a squid on the jig don’t strike as this could rip the hooks out or even pull a tentacle off. Keep tension by slowly reeling in at all times as any slack could result in the squid escaping.

Ink: Once a squid is hooked it may start squirting ink. You'll want to ensure that the squid has expelled as much ink as possible before handling. One method of doing this is to leave the squid in the net for a few seconds before handling. If you don't want a face covered in ink, don't hold the squid upside down.