Squid fishing, or squidding, is a favourite activity for Australian anglers — especially in New South Wales where access to estuaries, bays, and rocky shorelines makes it easy and rewarding. But knowing when to fish is just as important as knowing where to fish.
This guide explains the best times, tides, and conditions for squid fishing in NSW, so you can maximise your catch rate on your next outing.
🕒 Best Time of Day to Catch Squid
Squid are visual hunters, and their activity is closely tied to light conditions. In general, the best time to catch squid is during:
✅ Low Light Periods:
•Dawn (1 hour before and after sunrise)
•Dusk (1 hour before and after sunset)
This is when squid move into shallower water to hunt, making them easier to reach from land-based spots like wharves, jetties, and rock ledges.
✅ Night Time (Under Artificial Light):
•Squid love hanging around pier or bridge lights, where baitfish gather.
•Use slightly darker-coloured jigs under bright lights for contrast.
•Try slow, sharp jerks with pauses to imitate wounded prey.
🌊 Best Tide for Squid Fishing in NSW
Tide plays a huge role in squid behaviour. As ambush predators, squid rely on water movement to feed efficiently.
🎯 Incoming/Rising Tide:
The best tide phase for squid. As the tide comes in, it brings baitfish closer to shore and improves water clarity in many estuaries.
•More current = more action
•Squid often hold near weed beds and drop-offs just outside main flows
❌ Low Tide:
Can still be productive in deeper spots, but generally slower. Water is clearer but bait activity decreases.
⚠️ Outgoing/Ebb Tide:
Squid may move back to deeper water. Visibility often drops due to stirred-up bottom, especially in shallow bays.
🌙 Moon Phases and Squidding
While not as critical as time and tide, moon phases can still affect squid fishing success — especially at night.
•🌑 New Moon: Best for night fishing — darker skies = more attraction to your light source
•🌓 First/Last Quarter: Good balance, ideal for early mornings and evenings
•🌕 Full Moon: Can make night fishing tougher — natural light competes with yours
Tip: If fishing under a full moon, try shaded areas or fish later in the night when the moon is lower.
🌬️ Weather and Water Conditions
✅ Best conditions:
•Clear or slightly overcast skies
•Light winds (under 15 km/h)
•Clean water with some movement
•Mild chop helps mask line shadows and your presence
Avoid:
•Strong southerlies (in NSW)
•Muddy water after heavy rain
•Flat, dead-calm water under bright sun
🎣 Recommended Gear for Time & Tide Squidding
To fish effectively during changing light and tide conditions, your gear must be:
•Lightweight for long casts
•Sensitive to feel subtle touches
•Capable of controlling jigs in current
✅ Top Rods for Squid Fishing in NSW:
•Favorite X1 7’6” ML – Perfect for long casts, excellent tip feel
•Favorite U1 7’0” M – Ideal all-rounder for squid and estuary species
Pair with:
•PE 0.6–0.8 braid + 8–12 lb fluorocarbon leader
•Size 2.5–3.5 jigs, colour depending on light (natural for day, dark or glow for night)
✅ Summary: Best Times to Catch Squid in NSW
Condition Ideal for Squidding? Notes
Dawn & Dusk ✅ Excellent Most reliable times
Night w/ Lights ✅ Very Good Use bridge/pier lights
Rising Tide ✅ Best Tide Brings in bait & improves clarity
Full Moon ⚠️ Mixed Tougher without strong artificial light
Calm, Clear Water ✅ Ideal Helps squid spot your jig
🛒 Ready to Squid Smarter?
The right timing and the right gear go hand in hand. Whether you’re fishing Sydney Harbour, Botany Bay or the NSW South Coast — make sure you’re casting with the best.
🎣 Explore Favorite X1 & U1 rods at favorite24.au
Fish with precision. Fish with purpose. Fish Favorite.