Why Squid Fishing in Australia Is So Popular
Squid fishing in Australia is growing rapidly, attracting both seasoned anglers and beginners. Known as eging, this style of fishing is fun, active, and rewarding. Whether you’re fishing from a jetty, pier, or rocky shoreline, squid are a thrilling target that offer excellent table fare.
Thanks to Australia’s rich coastline and abundance of squid-friendly habitats, anglers in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and parts of Queensland and Western Australia can enjoy productive squid sessions all year round.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best squid fishing techniques, top locations, recommended tackle, and why rods like the Favorite X1 and Favorite U1 are perfectly suited for targeting squid from shore.
Where to Catch Squid in Australia: Top Land-Based Locations
Squid prefer clear, shallow waters with structure. These ambush predators hunt near weed beds, rocky reefs, and jetties — places where baitfish are abundant.
Top Spots for Squid Fishing Include:
•🌊 Rocky shores with kelp or weed growth
•🛶 Public jetties and piers with lighting for night fishing
•🏝️ Shallow bays with sandy or broken bottom
•🐟 Harbour walls and marina rock walls
•🌅 Estuary mouths where baitfish are active during tides
Pro Tip: Dark stains on the rocks or jetty deck usually mean squid have been caught there recently — a great sign you’re in the right spot.
Best Time and Tides to Catch Squid in Australia
Squid are most active under certain conditions. Understanding the tides and timing will increase your chances of success.
Best Conditions for Eging in Australia:
✅ Low-light periods: Early morning, dusk, or night (especially under artificial lights)
✅ Incoming tide: Brings bait closer to shore and encourages squid to hunt
✅ Calm, clear water: Helps you see the squid and gives them better visibility of the lure
Seasonal Tips by Region:
•Southern Australia (VIC, SA, TAS): Productive all year, best in spring and autumn
•NSW & QLD: Best from autumn through winter
•WA: Excellent around shallow reef systems during calm periods
Essential Squid Fishing Gear (Egi Setup)
To be successful at squid fishing, you need a setup that allows for long casts, precise jig control, and sensitivity to detect subtle grabs.
Rod Recommendations:
🎣 Favorite X1 Series – See X1 rods
•Length: 7’ to 7’6”
•Action: Fast
•Ideal for: Light eging from shore
•Why it works: Lightweight and sensitive tip allows you to work the jig precisely and detect soft squid bites
🎣 Favorite U1 Series – See U1 rods
•Length: 7’ to 7’2”
•Action: Medium-light to Medium, Fast
•Ideal for: Fishing in windier or deeper areas, more power for long casts and larger squid
•Why it works: A more versatile blank, strong butt section with a responsive tip — great for both eging and other light tackle fishing
Both rods are perfect for shore-based squid fishing and offer exceptional value for anglers looking for high-performance gear at an affordable price.
Recommended Eging Reel and Line Setup
•🔁 Reel: 2500 or 3000-size spinning reel
•🧵 Main line: PE 0.6–0.8 (approx. 8–12 lb braid)
•🎣 Leader: 10–14 lb fluorocarbon leader for abrasion resistance and low visibility
Pro Tip: Use a fluorocarbon shock leader of 1–2 meters to improve your presentation and protect from sharp rocks or squid strikes.
Best Squid Lures (Egi Jigs)
🦑 Egi jigs come in various sizes and colours. The key is to adjust based on conditions.
•🎯 Size 2.5–3.0 is perfect for land-based eging
•🌈 Natural colours (shrimp, brown, olive) work best in clear water
•🔥 Bright colours (pink, orange, chartreuse) help in murky water or low light
•⚙️ Add rattling jigs when squid are less active or in deeper water
Top Techniques for Catching Squid from Shore
🎣 1. The Standard Egi Retrieve
•Cast the jig
•Let it sink (count to 5–10 depending on depth)
•Two sharp upward jerks of the rod
•Let it fall on slack line — strike usually comes here
•Repeat
🎣 2. Slow Lift and Drop
•Ideal for calm days or when squid are less active
•Slowly raise the rod and let the jig flutter naturally
🎣 3. Sight-Fishing (Clear Water)
•Watch for squid following the jig
•Pause longer, or switch to a different colour if they hesitate
Tip: Always keep tension on your line during the fall. Most squid strikes are soft — feel is everything.
Why Favorite Rods Are Perfect for Australian Squid Fishing
Australian anglers need rods that can handle tough conditions — rocks, wind, long casting distances, and sensitive presentation. Favorite X1 and U1 were designed with these needs in mind:
✅ Long-distance casting performance
✅ Precision control over jig action
✅ Lightweight build reduces fatigue
✅ Sensitive tip to detect subtle grabs
✅ Fast recovery for better hook-up rates
With these rods, you’re not only getting ideal tools for squid fishing — you’re also investing in rods that work for other estuary specieslike bream and flathead, giving you excellent value and versatility.
Cleaning, Storing & Cooking Squid
•🧼 Rinse squid immediately with saltwater to remove ink
•🧊 Store on ice or in a cooler bag
•🍽️ Clean and cook fresh — grilled calamari, salt & pepper squid, or sashimi
Bonus Tip: Squid heads, tentacles, and offcuts make excellent bait for snapper, mulloway, and flathead.
Final Thoughts: Get Started with Squid Fishing Today
Squid fishing in Australia is easy to learn, highly productive, and incredibly fun. With the right technique, lures, and especially the right spinning rod, your chances of catching a full bag of squid increase dramatically.
🎯 Whether you’re fishing from your local jetty or exploring new estuarine flats, the Favorite X1 and U1 rods give you the perfect tools to succeed.
🛍️ Ready to upgrade your squid fishing setup?
👉 Shop our rods now at Favorite24.au