Although several species of squid are used as Autoline bait, Argentine shortfin squid is the one used in the Barents Sea.

The Illex argentinus is a medium size squid (maximum mantle length 33 cm, maturity length averaging 24 cm) and is harvested on the South American East Coast from Rio de Janeiro South to Cape Horn. The stock is considered as sustainable, classified least concern on IUCN and is a less valued food fish compared to other types of squid.

Squid has a firm, tough meat. It can be very fat and is excellent bait. There are no size limitations on this species for use in Mustad Autoline systems, and it is an optimal baitfish. Squid larger than 16 ounces should have their tentacles chopped off and their body slit in two before going into the baiting machine. Squid should have white meat and a fresh smell. If it begins to smell kind of sour / sweet and the colour has turned slightly pink or lilac, it is beginning to go bad. Remove the skin, and you will see the colour of the flesh better. If the quality is poor, the first place to spot it is at the end of the tentacles.

Squid must be frozen side by side lying in the same direction in blocks no more than 2″ thick, otherwise you will not be able to thaw them without the outer layer turning soft to fast. You will often come across boxes with 2-3 slabs per box. Make sure the slabs are separated with sheets of plastic foil, which prevents them from freezing together. If they are lying correctly, they will come apart easily. The box should be no heavier than 50 lbs/23 kg