[622755]

Can you guys tell me the best way to rig live squid while chunking for tuna, is it possable to keep them alive or do they just hook them on as a dead bait?

Thanks in advance

 

[MakoMike]

High,
Yes it is possible to keep them alive. Just make sure that you change the water often. The best way to rig them is with a live bait hook right through the aft end of the squid. They can still swim a little but they have an injured and vunerable look to them, that yells "free meal" at any passing fish. OTOH I have had live squid baits in the water and caught all of the tuna on butterfish, so you just never know.

 

[622755]

Thanks for the reply Mike

Thanks Mike, it does not seem like the hook would be hidden very well though, will they survive long, how often would you change them?

 

[MakoMike]

High,
You really don't have to hide the hook in a live bait. If you try you'll kill the bait, which kind of defeats the purpose. I've kept them alive all night in a five gallon bucket. Just dump another bucket of water on them every five to ten minutes.

 

[622755]

We havw a 60 gallon live well that works good for most things, I hope to try it this week, most likely in the Dip. Thanks for your help!

 

[MakoMike]

High,
Make sure you bring a bait net. They can be really tough to catch if you give them a little room.

 

[Squeri Boy]

Just hook them right through the mantle between their flukes and they swim well. Don't hook them too low otherwise their point will sag and not look good. I also bring a couple of boxes of the small fluke squid baits frozen to use until I catch live squid. They work very well. Just pick out the ones that look healthy.

 

[TonyTuna]

I always hook my squid thru tip of the
mantle.Pushing the hook point all the
way thru turning it then push back thru
again.The point does'nt have to be hidden.