How To Catch Squid – Squidding In Australia

Squidding can be difficult at the best of times let alone if your not in the right areas. Below is a detailed list of how to identify suitable areas for catching squid. Always remember if after 10 – 15 casts in a area with no bites, move on to the next section.

1. Weed Beds (Green/Brown Ribbon Weed or Kelp) – These are the prime locations for finding squid. Weed beds provide the perfect environment for hunting and spawning, as squid use the dense cover for camouflage to ambush prey and to lay their eggs safely.

What to look for:
– Green patches in the water.

– Dark “blotchy” spots when looking down in clear water (especially visible from a boat or high shoreline).

– Kelp or ribbon weed beds running parallel to the shore.

From shore: Look at the colour contrast — if the water is patchy with dark areas near a sandy beach or rocky point, you’ve found squid country.

From boat: Drift across these weed beds, especially if they border sand patches.

2. Broken Ground – Reef + Sand Mix – Squid love transition zones — not solid reef, not open sand, but mixed bottom.

Why it works: They can ambush prey from cover but still move freely.

What it looks like:
Alternating dark (reef) and light (sand) patches. In 2–8m of water for best results.

How to fish it:
Cast over the reef, work the jig back toward the sand. Let the jig sink, then twitch it slowly — squid often hit on the drop.

5. Jetty Lights or Torchlight at Night – Night time squid fishing can be highly productive, especially around artificial light sources.

Why it’s good:
Lights attract baitfish, and squid follow in close behind to feed. It also makes spotting them much easier.

What to look for:
– Jetties, piers, or bridges with strong overhead lights.
– Calm, clear water with small bait flickering near the surface.
– Areas where light spills into deeper water or over weed beds.

From shore: Use a headlamp or handheld torch to scan the shallows. Squid eyes will reflect back like glowing marbles, often revealing their location before they strike.

From boat: Anchor or drift near lit structures, or shine a spotlight into the water to pull in bait. Squid will often appear in the glow within minutes.

There are definitely specific tactics you need to be aware of when squidding. Below highlights a few of the most common ways to rig up to catch your targeted squid species.

Catching deeper water squid like Arrows – These squid, especially in places like Sydney Harbour are found in deeper waters, in depths between 15m – 25m or more. To get your squid jib down to the strike zone, you’ll need a bit of weighted help. Here are the 3 most common setups:

– Paternoster rig: use your traditional paternoster but with two squid jigs on it.

– Split shot sinker and leader/trace: Use a decent sized split shot and about 1.5m trace tied to your squid jig.

– Running egg sinker: Not as common but some fisho’s swear by it. Use a egg sinker on the main line that runs down to the squid jig.

Catching shallower water squid like Calamari – These type of squid are in the shallower waters where no weight or sinker is needed. Plus, with these squid many uses slightly bigger jigs which have enough weight to get the squid jig down into the strike zone which is typically between 3 to 8 meters.

In addition to the above you can go with baited rigs via a float or dropper rig to also cover shallow or deeper waters.
Below are setup options for using bait.

Baited Jig Rig
Best for areas where squid prefer scent, or when they’re being fussy.

Setup: Use a baited jig (like the Yamashita Egi Sutte R or cheap metal spikes). Load with a pilchard, yakka, or strips of squid. Use either float rig (shallow) or dropper rig (deep).

This is a popular technique and setup when land-based fishing at night under lights.

Float Rig
Best for night fishing from piers and jetties, especially under lights. Although it doesn’t hurt to send one out from the boat whilst flicking traditional squid jigs.

Setup: Float set to desired depth (1–4m), running down to a squid jig or baited spike. Use a small split shot if needed for slow sink.

This type of setup up works well when squid sit mid-water or near surface.

Squid aren’t fans of strong current — they prefer calmer water where baitfish are gently pushed through, making it easier for them to hunt. You’ll often find them in sheltered bays, behind headlands, or along rock walls and wharves where the water slows down. If you’re in a boat, keep an eye out for changes in water colour or surface texture — these usually mark the edges of current lines, which are great spots to drift along. From the shore, focus on protected coves, eddies, or bays that aren’t fully open to the ocean. These quieter zones often hold bait and are prime territory for feeding squid.

Feature To Look For & Why It’s Good
1. Dark patches in the water, indicates weed or reef
2. Clear water, squid are visual hunters
3. Nearby sandy patches, they ambush over these areas
4. Jetty or rock wall with lights, attracts bait, which attracts squid
5. Sheltered bay or points, less swell and better clarity
6. Ink stains on rocks or jetties, sign squid are around often

Most beginners work their jigs too fast. Squid often hit the jig when it’s completely still and hovering.
After a few lifts and twitches, let it sit mid-water for 3–5 seconds before the next action. This is when they pounce.

Squidding is often about patience.

Many modern squid jigs are coated with UV-reactive paint or materials. Shining a UV torch on your jigs before casting can “charge” them, making them glow underwater — especially effective at dawn, dusk, or in deeper water.

Catch one? Don’t leave yet. Squid often hunt in loose groups or pairs.

Get the next cast out quickly — even to the exact same spot. You might hook another within seconds. Keep your eye on the water as well, often others will follow the hooked squid in.

When the wind blows towards the shore (onshore wind), it pushes plankton and baitfish closer to land — and squid follow to feed. While calm, sheltered spots might seem ideal, the windward side often holds more active squid because the food is being funnelled in. Look for points, reefs, or jetties where surface chop is pushing into structure. From shore, cast into or across the wind — even at a 45° angle — to cover the bait zone. Use slightly heavier jigs to cast further and stay in control. A bit of rough water can actually work in your favour.

Before you head out squidding, it’s important to check your local fishing regulations. Each state and territory in Australia has different rules around bag limits, size limits, seasonal closures, and marine park restrictions. Responsible squidding helps protect squid populations and ensures great fishing for everyone.

Check your state’s fishing authority for up-to-date info:

• NSW – NSW DPI Fisheries

• VIC – Victorian Fisheries Authority

• QLD – Queensland Fisheries

• SA – PIRSA Fishing

• WA – Fisheries WA (DPIRD)

• TAS – Tasmanian Sea Fishing Guide

• NT – NT Fisheries

Always carry a ruler, know your bag limits, and avoid protected zones. If in doubt—look it up before you cast!