Brian Rogers Marine Musing www.sunlive.co.nz

Waiting for the weather to clear, holed up in a bay somewhere with time to kill?

Fishing is always an option, but as we know, sheltered bays aren't usually the best places for catching decent fish.

One option that could work is squid fishing. It is great entertainment and can provide a top class entrée, fresh on the barbecue.

Many of our sheltered bays around the east coast may not produce takeable fin fish, but you'd be surprised how easy it can be to hook into a feed of squid. Often close to shore and even over sand, squid can be hooked day and night with some simple gear and the right technique.

Squid jigs have a couple of crowns of barbless hooks around the lower end. They work by snagging the squid tentacles, entangling it.

They are simply cast out, allowed to sink a little without snagging the bottom or weed, and retrieving slowly with a regular up and down action on a light rod. You'll soon know if there are squid around, they will strike early and quickly.

Soft bait lures can also be used, although not usually as effective at snagging tentacles as the purpose-made jigs.

Once close to the boat, it is wise to keep the squid in the water until it has squirted its full arsenal of ink. Otherwise you could be wearing it. A decent shot of squid ink can go a long way through the air and makes a great mess of clothes, hair, boat and anything else in the firing line.

One of the simplest ways to deal with squid is to drop them into a bucket, reducing the chances of an inkshot escaping.

They are quick and easy to prepare – peel back the skin, gut and pull out the hard centre cartilage. Squid are succulent and tasty dropped fresh onto a barbecue or hot plate. Just seared is perfect, don't overcook.