Over the past couple of seasons producer/skipper Dan Walsh of Carlsbad has been among the first to encounter Humboldt squid, by finding them washed up on his local beach. Yesterday he and his dog Buddy were out exercising on the sand when they came across this one.

"Buddy wanted to eat it," reported Dan. "I don't mind eating them either, but I think I'll have mine a bit fresher, and properly prepared, as in cleaned, pounded and cooked."