Are You Squidding Me?
How to Go Squid Fishing in Seattle & Beyond
If you've ever wondered what people are doing fishing at night on the shores of Puget Sound, they might just be catching squid.
This popular local pastime is typically done in the evening, which is all part of the adventure. If you're wondering how to get started and where to go, the Des Moines Marina and Redondo Beach & Pier in Seattle Southside are some of the best places to go squid fishing near Seattle. These well-maintained sites along Puget Sound have long attracted fishers and squidders. Read on to learn the basics of squidding and how to make a fun evening out of it in Seattle Southside.
How Does Squidding Work?
There's a long tradition of squidding in coastal cultures across Asia, Europe and elsewhere, as you might guess from the many dishes that feature this chewy delicacy. From calamari to spicy stir-fries, squid lends a distinctive texture and flavor to dishes around the world.
If squid fishing sounds intimidating, rest assured that it can be easier than many other kinds of fishing and doesn't require a boat. Anglers typically use specialized artificial lures called jigs, which they cast or lower into the water from a boat, the shore or a pier. They jerk the jig a few times to attract squid, then let it slowly sink. When a squid grabs the jig, they reel it in and transfer it to a bucket to be cleaned and cooked later.
Squidding 101
Before you get started, here's some basic info to plan your squidding adventure.
When is the best time of year to go squidding in the Seattle area?
The best time to go squid fishing in Seattle and Des Moines is fall and winter. Squid generally arrive in South Puget Sound around October or November, with the peak season lasting through November and into January.
What is the best time of day to go squidding?
Nighttime is the best time to catch squid, as this is their prime feeding time. It's better at high tide and during the full moon, but as long as you're going at night, the odds will be in your favor. Anglers use lanterns, shop lights, or even their phones for light.
Where is the best place to go squidding?
Squidding is popular throughout the Puget Sound region, but Des Moines, Washington, a small waterfront town about 30 minutes south of Seattle, is an especially good place to try it out.
The Des Moines Marina is a very popular destination for both boating and shore fishing. There's a long, narrow pier that extends far into the sea.
Redondo Beach and Pier, just a bit further south than the marina, is another worthy squidding spot. The large, wide pier was fully renovated and reopened in 2026, making it an even more appealing choice.
Do you need a fishing license to go squidding?
Yes, in Washington State, you do need a shellfish/seaweed license, which you can get online at the website for the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife or through license dealers throughout the state.
Learn more about fishing and regulations on our Guide to Fishing in Seattle Southside.
How to Go Squid Fishing:
1. Find a well-lit spot (or made a well-lit spot for yourself).
2. Set up your pole with a squid jig, using 1-3 jigs per line. More advanced anglers use multiple jigs, but one is best for a beginner.
3. Charge up your jigs using your flashlight (or the flashlight on your cell phone). Because the jigs glow in the dark, they need to be hit with bright light for a few seconds to make sure they glow underwater.
4. Drop the lure down. Take the rod and "jig" it up then lower it slowly, making the lure look more like a real shrimp. There may be a fair amount of waiting and dead time, but that's all part of the process.
5. When you pull up and feel weight on the line and see the pole bending, that means you've got a squid latched on!
6. Reel it in and collect your catch. Unlike most fishing, you don't need specialized tools to remove the hook: just turn the jig upside down over your bucket, and the squid will slide right off into the bucket. You won't need a net, as these squid are fairly small and slide directly off the jig into your bucket.
More Tips
- If you see a group of squid on the water, pay attention! That could be your opportunity to catch a lot in a short period of time.
- Lower the jig deep but stop before it touches the sea floor to keep the line from getting entangled with seaweed. If it does, you'll need to cut it, which could leave behind trash that damages the sea floor.
- You might accidentally reel in some seaweed or friendly crabs or starfish. If you do, toss them back in. Any crabs you catch are unlikely to be large enough to be a legal catch, and crab are out of season during the winter.
What Tools Do You Need to Go Squid Fishing?
Lightweight fishing pole: If you use a heavy one, you won't feel it when the squid latch on, so a lightweight pole (even a kid's fishing pole!) is needed. Some advanced squidders use no pole at all, just a line in their hands!
Lightweight fishing line: Use a 6-20 lb. line, The lighter the better - you need to be able to feel the tug when a squid latches on.
Small bucket with strainer: You need a bucket to catch your haul in and you'll want a strainer because finding squid in their ink is very difficult. You can buy fishing buckets that have a strainer built in or you can use a mesh bag. For limit reasons, each person squidding needs their own bucket.
Squid jig: This specialized lure (pictured above) is needed for attracting and catching squid.
Flashlight or lantern: Your phone's flashlight works fine for this, but you'll need some light to see and to attract the squid.
Clothes you don't mind getting dirty: You will get inked. Wear something that's dark to hide the stains, or wear clothes you don't mind getting stained, because ink will happen.
(Optional) Mini shop light: This is handy for shining on the surface of the water because squid are attracted to light. Either connect to a generator or an outlet, which you can sometimes find on the pier. The very end of the Des Moines Marina pier has outlets.
Restaurants Near the Waterfront
Since squidding is best done at night, our advice is to enjoy a filling, leisurely dinner near the water before heading out to the pier. There are several restaurants within 5 minutes of the Des Moines waterfront:
Savor fresh seafood on the water at Anthony's HomePort & Lower Deck. The upper dining room as an elegant, upscale ambiance, while the Lower Deck features a more casual vibe, with a great happy hour and outdoor seating.
Dine on authentic Italian at via Marina or PortoVino, two locally owned (and loved) restaurants on Marine View Drive.
Fill up on Mexican comfort food at Arturo's, a cozy Mexican restaurant run by a team of brothers.
No matter which you choose, you'll leave happy, full, and ready for an evening of waterfront adventure.
Is calamari a squid or octopus?
Octopus is commonly confused with calamari, however, they are both very different in taste, whether served raw or cooked. It's quite common for people to mistake calamari dishes for dishes made from octopus.
What kind of squid is found in Seattle's Puget Sound?
The most common species of squid found along Washington's coast, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound is known as market squid or opal squid (Loligo opalescens) and measures less than a foot in size. It has a mild, sweet flavor and can be sauteed, grilled, or even deep-fried.
Is calamari squid?
Yes, calamari are squid but to be precise, calamari are a type of squid. The main difference is that calamari are generally smaller in size.
How many tentacles does a squid have?
Squid have 10 arms but two of their arms are longer than the other eight and are called tentacles.
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