CT Squid Fishing Guide: Jigging Long Island Sound
Every spring, longfin inshore squid (Doryteuthis pealeii) migrate into Connecticut's coastal waters to spawn, and anglers follow them. The CT squid run — typically late April through mid-June — offers fast action from shore and boat, with light tackle and simple gear. A good night can produce hundreds of squid, and they're excellent eating.
When the Squid Run Hits CT
The squid run typically begins in late April when water temperatures in Long Island Sound reach the mid-50s. Peak action is May through early June. Water temps above 62–65°F push squid offshore and end the run.
Squid are most active at night, especially around lights. They follow baitfish (sand eels, juvenile menhaden) into nearshore waters after dark. Best fishing is from 1–2 hours after sunset until midnight.
Watch local fishing reports and CT DEEP updates for when the run officially arrives each year — it can shift by 1–2 weeks depending on spring water temperatures.
Best Spots for CT Squid Fishing
**Brewer Pilots Point Marina (Westbrook):** One of the most popular squid destinations in CT. Lit docks attract squid on spring nights. Public fishing allowed on town docks nearby.
**Clinton Town Beach / Clinton Cove:** Shore access with good squid activity during the peak run. Arrives early since it's easterly.
**Niantic Bay:** Sheltered with lit docks along the waterfront. Boat launch at Niantic Marina gives access to productive mid-bay water.
**Stratford / Bridgeport Harbor:** Western Sound squid tend to arrive slightly later but produce well in late May. Ferry docks and lit piers concentrate fish.
**Charter boats:** Many CT party boats convert to squid trips in May — 5-hour evening trips departing from Niantic, Groton, and Milford. These are productive and beginner-friendly.
Squid Jigs and Gear
**Squid jigs (EGIs):** Small feathered or cloth-bodied lures with a ring of upward-pointing hooks at the tail. Sizes #2.0–#3.0 are standard for LI Sound squid. Colors: pink, orange, and chartreuse work in murky water; clear/natural in cleaner conditions. Night glow jigs are excellent after dark.
**Light spinning gear:** 7-foot light or ultralight rod, 2000–3000 series reel, 6–10 lb monofilament or 10 lb braid with a 12 lb fluoro leader. Squid have light bites — lighter line increases sensitivity and hookups.
**Rod technique:** Cast the jig out, let it sink on a 2–5 second count, then work it with sharp upward twitches followed by a pause on the fall. Squid attack on the drop. Keep your line semi-taut so you feel the weight change of a squid grabbing on.
**Nets:** Shore anglers often dip-net squid near dock lights rather than jigging. A long-handled dip net and a light (headlamp or lantern) is all you need if you find them schooled up under a dock.
Regulations and Limits
Squid are currently managed under the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and have no recreational bag limit in Connecticut state waters. This can change annually, so check the current CT DEEP marine regulations (portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Fishing/Marine) before going out.
You need a CT Marine Recreational Fishing License for squid. If you're on a licensed charter or party boat, their license covers you.
Cleaning and Cooking
Squid are excellent eating and easy to clean. Pull the head and tentacles from the mantle (body tube) — most of the innards come with it. Remove the transparent quill (gladius) from inside the mantle. Rinse under cold water. Slice the mantle into rings or leave whole for stuffing; tentacles can be left attached to the head or cut off.
**Simple prep options:** Fried calamari (lightly battered rings, 2 minutes in 375°F oil), grilled whole mantles brushed with olive oil and garlic, or quickly sautéed in butter with lemon. Don't overcook — squid become rubbery past 2–3 minutes of heat unless braised for 30+ minutes.
Check current CT Marine regulations and local fishing reports before heading out.
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