Squid-jiggin', is more than a colourful and unique activity carried out by generations of Newfoundland fishermen. It plays an important part in the economy of the island. The success of the squid fishing determines in large measure the success of the cod fishery, for cod regard the pale green and white squid as a tempting delicacy. After two poor years, the squid run, which got underway in early fall, promises to be a good one. While squid appear in search of food at many points off Newfoundland's rugged coastline, the traditional squid jigging grounds lie in the snug coves and harbours of Conception Bay, When the cry "the squid are runnin' " rings out, fishermen old and young hurry to the spot where the schools of iridescent jelly-like squid are moving swiftly towards shore. Feverish activity is the order of the day as skilled fishermen, sometimes handling as many as four jig lines at a time, hustle to catch a share of the run. The Newfoundland jigger is a red lump of lead 3 to 4 inches long, festooned with 12 to 20 barbless hooks, or pins. Simple, but very effective, it is "jigged" in the water "about one fathom down" exciting all that is rapacious in the squid. Hurling itself at the tantalizing lure, the terrible-tempered squid is flipped with split-second timing into the boat where a nimble flick of the wrist detaches its tentacles from the jigger. But the squid has its brief moment of triumphant revenge before meeting its demise. Squid propel themselves by sucking water in through a collar near the head and then expelling it. Connected to the collar is an ink sac for use as a smoke-screen when eluding an enemy. Sensing danger as it is rudely jerked from its marine environment, the squid lets go with a furious jet of "squid squirt" as it breaks water and it is rare, in fact local folk say it is unknown, for a successful fisherman to return unblemished from the squid jigging grounds.