| OCTOPUS | SHRIMP | SQUID |
| SHELLFISH | FIN FISH | FILLETS/LOINS |
| SPECIALTY ITEMS |
'SEA WAVE' CA WHOLE SQUID
 |
  CLICK ON THUMBNAIL TO VIEW LARGER IMAGE |
Loligo Opalescens is the popular squid variety that is caught along the California coast.
The largest production is landed October through February in the waters off southern California. A secondary season occurs May through September in the Monterey Bay area.
Product is mainly frozen whole.
California squid is one of the smallest varieties of squid commercially available. Sizing normally runs in the 10-12 count per pound range. Occasionally squid, especially from Monterey will get as large as 8-10 count per pound. Smaller squid (13-17 count per pound) is sometimes landed, but is usually packed in 25 lb bulk cartons which are primarily used for bait.
Squid packers offer a variety of packaging options. Preprinted multi-colored retail cartons with UPC codes, nutritional information and sometimes recipes are available in 1 lb, 1 kg, 3 lb and 5 lb sizes. Three pound Sea Wave squid is packed in a carton with a see through window. Master cases are packed 24/1 lb, 12/1 kg, 12/3 lb and 12/5 lb.
A 25 lb plain preprinted brown box with a poly liner is available. IQF squid is packed in a 10 kg carton with a poly liner.
This product has a very delicate texture and excellent taste.
Demand for the product has developed in Europe and Asia and large
volumes are produced for both the export and domestic markets.
Squid is normally net caught as it schools close to shore in sandy
bottomed areas. In the case of Monterey squid, it is caught often
within a few hundred yards of the Monterey piers and frozen within a few
hours from the time the nets initially hit the water. Squid on the
fishing boats are pumped from the nets into seawater holds and then
again pumped from the seawater holds into shuttle trucks that move the
squid to the freezing plant. Squid are usually rinsed in cold
water for a short period of time to remove excess ink. This
process is referred to as “bleaching”, but no chemicals are used in the
process. Monterey squid is normally considered to be superior to
southern California squid because of the freshness of the product
handled and Sea Wave has developed processing techniques that make it
the most desirable brand packed in California.