Fishing for a Reason
Welcome to "Fishing for a Reason," the podcast that dives deep into the heart of fishing and the meaningful connections it brings. Hosted by Jamie Propst, founder of Anglers Unlimited, we explore the impact fishing has on our lives, communities, and environment so that you can become a more effective angler and catch more fish and have more fun every time you go out on the water or hit the hiking trails. Whether you target salmon, halibut, lingcod, crab, shrimp or fresh water species, there is something here for you.
From tales of epic catches and new places to wet a line in the PNW, to discussions on life, love and business, and the latest fishing reports, "Fishing for a Reason" is your go-to source for inspiration and insight. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just casting your first line, join us as we discover the many reasons why fishing is more than just a hobby—it's a way of life.
Fishing for a Reason
47: Squid Fishing in the San Juan Islands & Puget Sound — When, Where, and Why It Fires in Winter
In this episode, Jamie dives deep into the science, migration, and behavior of Pacific Market Squid—Washington’s most accessible winter fishery.
Whether you’re jigging from Edmonds Pier at night or hunting massive schools from a boat with sonar, understanding migration, spawning windows, and habitat will directly increase your success rate.
If you love accessible fisheries, fast action, winter nights, and a freezer full of calamari—this is your jam.
What Listeners Will Learn
- Why Pacific Market Squid return to Puget Sound by the millions in winter
- How their short life cycle & single-spawn death creates boom-or-bust fisheries
- How females spawn
- Typical commercial harvest volume
- The seasonal migration route
- Why night lights draw schools into casting range
- Washington retention rules (up to 10 pounds, water drained)
- Why El Niño collapses production and La Niña supercharges abundance
- Where to go next for tactics.
Resources Mentioned