Scuba Dive

Get out your dive gear, fishing gear or marinara sauce.  The Giant Squids have fulfilled their promise of “I’ll be back!” showing up in huge numbers on the California coast off Newport Beach.  These charismatic cephalopods are averaging 30 lbs each, but some are up to 60 lbs.  That’s enough calamari in one animal to feed a family of 5 for a week, and still have some left over to pair with linguini for a Saturday snack.  Anglers have caught 400 of the beasts so far, though far greater numbers are still out in the ocean.

Though the name ‘Giant Squid’ elicits visions of huge sea monsters with a chip on their shoulders and a bloodthirsty appetite, the official name of these beauties is Humboldt Squid (far less menacing, I grant you.) They can grow up to 100 pounds and 6 feet long.  They follow their food sources through the ocean, which explains their appearance on the west coast.  The squid have also recently been spotted off San Diego, Oregon and Washington.