A score of squid

Crystal Lauderdale

When people at the Newport Landing Sportfishing Company heard that

giant squid had been sighted off the coast of Dana Point, they knew

they needed to go out. On Saturday, four boats from the company

hauled back hundreds of the slimy, tentacled creatures.

“They’re a hot item right now,” said Robin Jordan, who works at

the Landing. “They’re fun to catch. They put up a good fight. They’re

messy as heck though. You don’t want to wear your good clothes.”

Workers on the boats said the 3- to 10-pound squid were so

plentiful at Salt Creek, a mile off of Dana Point, that it looked

like you could walk on the surface of the water.

Justin Vilott, skipper of the Amigo, said the squid, are

associated with warm water, like those off the coast of Baja.