Squid fishing (eging) is one of the most exciting and rewarding forms of fishing in Australia — especially around Sydney, the Illawarra, and coastal NSW. But to get consistent results, you need more than luck and timing. The right squid jig can make all the difference.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about squid jigs in Australian waters — from size and weight to colour choice, action, and pro tips. Whether you’re land-based or fishing from a boat, this article will help you make smarter jig selections.
🦑 What Is a Squid Jig?
A squid jig — also called egi (Japanese term) — is a specialized lure that mimics the profile and movement of a prawn or baitfish. Unlike standard lures, it features:
•A torpedo-shaped body
•A weighted keel or belly sinker
•A crown of barbless spikes to snag the squid when it attacks
There are dozens of shapes, sizes, and designs, but choosing the right one depends on water depth, light, tide, and squid behaviour.
📏 Squid Jig Sizes in Australia: What They Mean
Jig sizes are usually marked as 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 or 4.0 — referring to their length and weight.
Jig Size Length (approx.) Weight Best Use
2.0 ~6.5 cm 6–8 grams Shallow flats, ultra-light setups
2.5 ~7.5 cm 9–10 grams Calm water, short casts
3.0 ~9 cm 14–15 grams Standard estuary and harbour fishing
3.5 ~10.5 cm 18–20 grams Boat fishing, deeper shore locations
4.0 ~12 cm 25+ grams Strong currents, deep offshore areas
✅ General rule:
•Start with size 3.0 for most land-based fishing around NSW
•Go smaller in still water, bigger in current or deeper water
🌈 Best Squid Jig Colours by Conditions
Squid are incredible visual hunters. They detect motion, shape, and contrast — even in low light. Your jig colour can make a huge difference.
☀️ Daylight / Clear Water:
•Natural tones (brown shrimp, olive, silver, transparent)
•Ideal for clear harbours like Clifton Gardens, Balmoral, Rose Bay
🌥️ Cloudy Days / Murky Water:
•High-contrast colours like orange, chartreuse, red
•UV-reactive finishes work great under low light
🌙 Night Fishing (under artificial lights):
•Glow-in-the-dark jigs (blue or green glow)
•Dark tops with light bellies for silhouette
•Red or purple cloth with reflective foil
🎣 Pro tip: Try red cloth over gold foil at night for NSW piers with strong lighting (e.g. Spit Bridge)
🌀 Jig Types: Sink Speed and Balance
There’s more to jigs than colour and size. The sink rate and body shape affect how your jig moves and is perceived by squid.
1. Shallow jigs (slow sink):
•Sink slowly, ideal for shallow flats or weedy zones
•Perfect for cautious squid in pressured areas
•Best with light tackle like Favorite X1 7’6” ML
2. Standard jigs:
•Balanced for most shore-based fishing
•Great all-rounders in harbours and estuaries
•Pair well with Favorite U1 7’0” M
3. Deep jigs (fast sink):
•Heavier, used from boats or high rock ledges
•Cut through current quickly
•Best for deep-water squidding or offshore reefs
🔁 Change It Up: Rotation Strategy
Don’t just stick with one jig the entire session. A good squidding session involves testing and adjusting.
•Rotate colours every 15–20 minutes if no hits
•Adjust sink speed to control depth
•Try different retrieve styles (twitch-pause, slow roll)
🎯 Example Setup for Sydney Harbour:
Condition Setup
Evening, clear water Size 3.0 natural shrimp, slow twitch
Night, under lights Size 3.0 red cloth, glow foil, fast twitch
Windy or deeper water Size 3.5 orange or chartreuse, slow fall
🔧 Pro Tips from Local Anglers
✅ Always check for balance — your jig should fall horizontally, not nose- or tail-first
✅ Replace worn jig cloth — squid are picky!
✅ Use snap swivels to swap jigs quickly
✅ Add scent (like shrimp attractant) for tough sessions
✅ Cast up-current and let the jig drift naturally
🎣 Pairing Your Jig with the Right Rod
To present your jig properly, your rod must be:
•Light and responsive
•Long enough for casting distance
•Sensitive to detect subtle touches
Best combos for Australian squid fishing:
•Favorite X1 7’6” ML — ultimate casting distance + perfect action
•Favorite U1 7’0” M — ideal control, especially with heavier jigs
Use a 2500-size spinning reel, PE 0.6–0.8 braid, and 8–12 lb fluorocarbon leader for best results.
📌 Summary: Jig Selection Quick Chart
Environment Suggested Jig Colour
Shallow bay 2.5 shallow sink Natural
Harbour dusk 3.0 standard Orange
Night under lights 3.0–3.5 glow Red/purple
Offshore / deep 3.5–4.0 fast sink High contrast
🛒 Get the Edge — With the Right Rod
Jigs are only as good as the rod presenting them. Choose a rod built for eging — light, balanced, sensitive, and powerful where it counts.
🎣 Explore our top squid fishing rods:
👉 Favorite X1 & U1 – Built for Aussie Waters
Make every cast count. Fish smart. Fish Favorite.