Broadtail shortfin squid

Broadtail shortfin squid (Illex coindetii) — field identification starting point: a streamlined cephalopod with a muscular mantle, eight arms and two longer feeding tentacles in typical squid.

Most catches are smaller than the top size of about 11 in (28 cm).

Up to about 11 in (28 cm) long (body, not counting arms). Source: SeaLifeBase

The broadtail shortfin squid eats whatever prey is most common, mainly fish, crustaceans and other squid. It even eats sea squirts and its own kind.

It lives near the coast and offshore, coming close to the seabed but mostly hunting prey swimming just off the bottom. It moves up and down daily and migrates with the seasons, and big ones stay deeper.

Found in Puerto Rico. Start in the documented habitat and substrate for this species, then narrow the search using depth, current, structure and food activity. Habitat reference:

Habitat: sand bottom, continental shelf and coastal waters.

From the surface down to 3,281 ft (1000 m), usually 328 ft–1,969 ft (100–600 m).

Start near the bottom or reef edge where the species is observed; adjust until bites show the active level.

Water: marine. Habitat: sand bottom, continental shelf and coastal waters.

Fish legal open periods and favorable sea conditions; no single month works for every reef species.

Night around lights and low-light periods are common squid windows.

Moderate moving water is often productive; excessive current may require more weight or a sheltered edge.

Choose sea state, wind and visibility that let you hold position and handle the fish safely. Avoid treating rough weather as a feeding advantage.

Small baitfish can be used on specialized squid rigs, but squid jigs are the common clean starting method.

Squid jigs/egi in sizes matched to the squid and current are the standard starting lure.

Light spinning rod, 8–12 lb line, 12–20 lb leader and a squid jig matched to depth/current.

Use the crown hooks built into a squid jig rather than a conventional fish hook.

8–15 lb braid/mono with a light leader is a common start.

10–20 lb clear mono/fluoro is a common start.

Cast or vertical-jig around lights, reef edges and bait; lift sharply, pause and let the jig sink under control.

Let it go quickly if you're not keeping it.

Good eating — a common food fish where it's caught.

Good table fare when bled, iced and cooked fresh.

After legal-retention and food-use confirmation, chill promptly. For cephalopods, remove viscera and beak; for squid also remove the internal pen and skin if desired. Rinse with clean water, portion on a sanitized surface and refrigerate immediately.

Cook cephalopods thoroughly unless using a validated raw-seafood control program. Quick high heat keeps squid tender, while octopus is often tenderized and then simmered, braised or grilled; exact technique is culinary, not a safety substitute.

Keep fingers away from the beak; ink and slippery surfaces can make handling difficult. Use a container and rinse deck/gear.

No species-specific size, bag or season limits are listed here.

Avoid needless kills and follow protected-species, area and season rules.