Squid fishing is a favourite for many Australians throughout the country. Whether you’re casting jigs off a Sydney pier, drifting over Port Phillip Bay’s weed beds, or chasing tiger squid in North Queensland’s crystal-clear shallows, squidding offers an exciting and rewarding experience. With their reputation as top-tier table fare and irresistible bait for prized species like kingfish, jewfish or any fish for that matter, it’s no wonder why more and more anglers want to learn how to catch them consistently.
Squid Species in Australian Waters
Understanding the types of squid you’re targeting is key to success. Australia’s waters are home to three main species:
Arrow Squid
(Common Squid)
- Abundant in estuaries, rivers, and bays.
- Can tolerate slightly discoloured water.
- Prefer still, quiet waters in mid-river and harbor reaches.
- Recognizable by their long, thin, pink bodies with wings running halfway down.
- Often found around yacht moorings, deep holes, jetty pylons, and ribbon weed beds.
- School-oriented—once you find one, expect more.
Southern Calamari
(Calamari Squid)
- Found in harbours, bays, and offshore reefs amongst kelp beds.
- Larger and darker in colour, with a fluorescent green stripe down each side.
- Green eyes and full-body wings set them apart.
- Primarily kelp dwellers, they prefer rocky shorelines, headlands, and shaded areas for ambush hunting.
- If a spot isn’t producing after 10 minutes, relocate.
Northern Squid
(Tiger Squid)
- Predominantly found in tropical waters off Queensland and Northern Australia.
- Larger and more aggressive than other species.
- Display striking tiger-like patterns on their bodies.
- Common around coral reefs, mangrove estuaries, and sandy flats.
- Prefer warmer waters and are often more active at night.
Mourning cuttlefish are also abundant and make excellent bait for kingfish. Found over sand or shell bottoms, they prefer small jigs (size 1–1.5) and a slow, methodical retrieve.
Ideal Tackle for Squidding
Selecting the right tackle can significantly enhance your squidding success:
- Rod: A 7–8 ft rod with a 3–6kg line class provides the right balance of sensitivity and casting distance.
- Reel: A 2500–3000 size spinning reel is ideal for smooth retrieves and handling squid movements.
- Line: Use 8–14lb braid or mono – go lighter in ribbon weed areas for better presentation, and heavier in kelp beds to prevent break-offs.
When and Where to Catch Squid
Squid behaviour varies, but certain patterns hold true:
- Tide and time matter – Early mornings are often productive, regardless of tide, but some days, high tide in the morning works best, while other times, midday low tide is better. Overcast days are great as they extend the morning feed.
- Squid turn on and off – If you don’t get a hit within 10 casts or so, they might not be feeding at that location.
- Weather plays a role – It is said that approaching storms can trigger feeding frenzies.
- Seasonal trends – Warmer months tend to be more productive, but squid can still be caught year-round.
Popular Squidding Locations by Region
New South Wales:
Sydney Harbour, Botany Bay, Jervis Bay, and Port Stephens.
Victoria:
Port Phillip Bay, Western Port, and the Gippsland Lakes.
Queensland:
Moreton Bay, Hervey Bay, and the Whitsundays.
South Australia:
Spencer Gulf, Coffin Bay, and Kangaroo Island.
Western Australia:
Cockburn Sound, Geographe Bay, and Rottnest Island.
Tasmania:
Great Oyster Bay, Coles Bay, and the Derwent River.
Squid Jigging Techniques
A proper jigging technique can make all the difference. Here’s how to refine your approach:
The Retrieval Method
- Slowly lift the rod up and then give it a few sharp jerks to the top.
- Let the jig sit for 5–10 seconds before repeating.
- Occasionally just give it a few sharp jerks after it settles without the slow lifting.
- Repeat until the jig is back at the boat or pier.
- In shallow water, work the jig faster to avoid snagging.
- A good rule of thumb for timing drops is that the jig sinks 1ft per second (roughly)
Casting and Sinking
- Cast well away from the boat or jetty.
- Allow the jig to sink—timing is key. Too long, and you’ll get snagged; too short, and you’ll miss the strike zone.
Watching for Followers
- Squid often follow the jig to the surface—pause and let them commit.
- If multiple squid are trailing, work quickly to capitalise before ink in the water spooks them.
Landing Squid Without Getting Inked
- Keep the squid facing away when bringing it onboard or to shore.
- Let it expel ink in the water before lifting it out.
- Use a landing net for larger squid to avoid tentacle breakage.
Choosing the Right Squid Jig
A good squid jig is defined by balance and sharpness. Key recommendations:
- Top-tier brands like Yamashita, Shimano and Daiwa offer incredible prawn imitating jigs that consistently out fish cheaper alternatives.
- Spike-style jigs work well for passive squidding under a float.
- Colours matter – Pink and orange or top performers and blues and greens are not far behind, while clear to white colours excel in clear water. However, it’s always good to mix it up on any given day.
- Jig size – Small jigs (2.0–2.5) work well for arrow squid, while larger jigs (3.0–3.5) are best for calamari.
*see FAQ’s for rigging styles
Keeping Squid Alive for Bait
- Use a circulating live bait tank with strong water flow.
- A bubble aerator won’t work for squid but is fine for cuttlefish (with frequent water changes).
- Avoid excessive handling—let the squid fall directly from the jig into the tank or bucket.
The Importance of a Strong Squid Game
Mastering squid fishing isn’t just about securing a delicious meal—it’s a game-changer for serious anglers. Fresh squid is a premium bait that significantly increases your chances of landing trophy fish like jewfish, kingfish, and snapper. By refining your jigging technique and understanding squid behaviour, you’ll not only improve your catch rates but also open the door to a whole new level of fishing success.
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