Squid Jigging Season Arrives in Maine

Maine's two squid species come inshore to spawn, providing recreational opportunities for anglers.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:36pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As the weather warms in Maine, the state's two species of squid - longfin and shortfin - venture into shallow coastal waters to spawn. This provides an opportunity for recreational anglers to try their hand at 'jigging' for squid, an easy and fun fishing technique that involves dangling a lure with spikes to catch the squid as they hunt for prey. While squid isn't a major menu item in Maine, the state does have a small commercial fishery and allows recreational harvesters to keep their catch with no size or quantity limits.

Why it matters

Squid jigging is a unique recreational fishing opportunity that allows Mainers and visitors to get an up-close look at the state's marine life. While the commercial squid fishery in Maine is small, the influx of these cephalopods into shallow waters each spring is an important part of the coastal ecosystem that is monitored and regulated by state and regional authorities.

The details

To jig for squid, anglers use a small lure with a series of spikes that they dangle in the water and 'jig' up and down. When the squid go to grab the lure with their tentacles, they get caught on the spikes. The best time to jig for squid is at night when they are most active as nocturnal hunters. Squid are also attracted to light, so fishing from a dock or shoreline works well. Maine has two species of squid - the larger longfin squid that can reach 2 feet in length, and the smaller shortfin squid that max out around 1 foot. The longfin squid have 'squid fingers' that attach their eggs to the seafloor, while the shortfin squid have floating egg masses.

  • Squid typically venture into Maine's shallow coastal waters in the spring to spawn.
  • The best time to jig for squid is at night when they are most active as nocturnal hunters.

The players

Maine Department of Marine Resources

The state agency that monitors and regulates both the commercial and recreational squid fisheries in Maine.

Maine Coast Fishermen's Association

A non-profit organization that works to support Maine's coastal fishing communities and promote sustainable fishing practices.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Jigging for squid is also extra fun because you go out at night when the squid are out feeding. Squid are nocturnal hunters, so the best time for fishing is in the dark.”

— Susan Olcott, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Maine Coast Fishermen's Association

What’s next

The Maine Department of Marine Resources will continue to monitor the health of the state's squid populations and adjust regulations as needed to ensure sustainable recreational and commercial harvesting.

The takeaway

Squid jigging provides a unique opportunity for Mainers and visitors to connect with the state's diverse marine life and try their hand at a simple yet rewarding fishing technique. While squid may not be a culinary staple in Maine, the annual influx of these cephalopods into coastal waters is an important part of the local ecosystem that is carefully managed by state authorities.