Targeting Southern Calamari around Victoria is one of the most popular light-tackle styles right now. Whether you are casting from the piers in Port Phillip Bay or exploring Western Port, you don’t need a boat to secure a feed of fresh squid.
The secret to landing more calamari comes down to three things: fishing the right tide, matching your egi jig to the depth, and using a rod sensitive enough to feel the strike.
Let’s break down the ultimate land-based squid fishing guide for Melbourne anglers.
Best Land-Based Squid Spots Around Melbourne
You can catch squid year-round in Victoria, but the clear water of winter often produces the biggest models. Here are three highly productive land-based locations:
- Mornington Pier (Port Phillip Bay): A legendary spot for egi fishing. Target the weed beds on the outside of the breakwater. It gets crowded, so fish early mornings or late nights under the lights.
- Sorrento Pier: Deep water and strong currents mean you need heavier jigs here (size 3.0 or 3.5). The tidal flow pushes baitfish right past the structure, bringing big calamari with them.
- Queenscliff Harbour: Outstanding land-based access. Look for patches of seagrass and sand holes. Casting right on the edges of the weed is where you’ll get hit.
(Heading to NSW soon? Check out our Sydney guide for East Coast tips!)
Egi Jig Size & Color Chart: What to Use
The biggest mistake beginners make is using a jig that sinks too fast and instantly snags on the weed, or sinks too slowly in a strong current.
Use this quick matrix to match your jig to Melbourne’s waters:
| Water Depth | Egi Jig Size | Sink Rate | Best Water Conditions | Ideal Colors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1m – 3m | 2.5 | ~5.0 sec/m | Shallow weed beds, calm bays | Natural (Pilchard, Whiting) |
| 3m – 5m | 3.0 | ~4.0 sec/m | Piers, moderate tidal flow | UV Orange, Pink |
| 5m+ | 3.5 | ~3.0 sec/m | Deep channels, strong currents | Glow-in-the-dark, Red foil |
The Best Egi Rod Setup: Why Mainstream Rods Fail
Squid don’t strike hard; they tentatively wrap their tentacles around the jig. If you use a stiff, heavy fiberglass rod, you won’t feel the bite, and you’ll tear the jig out of their soft tentacles when you strike.
You need a lightweight, parabolic carbon blank. Forget the overpriced mainstream brands—here is what delivers actual value on the water:
Best Beginner / All-Rounder Setup: Favorite X1
If you are building your first squid combo, the Favorite X1 spinning rod is the ultimate workhorse under $200. The Skyflex 30T carbon blank is highly responsive, allowing you to impart the perfect “whip and dart” action to your jig without fatiguing your wrist. It casts a 2.5 egi perfectly but has the backbone to land heavy, water-filled calamari.
👉 Check out the Favorite X1 Rod
Premium Egi Setup: Favorite Black Swan
For the technical angler who wants the absolute best, the Favorite Black Swan is an ultralight masterpiece. Featuring Toray carbon and titanium guides, it transmits every single touch of the jig directly to your hand. It’s a game-changer for feeling subtle squid bites on the drop in deep water.
👉 Explore the Favorite Black Swan
The “Whip & Pause” Egi Technique
- Cast to the Structure: Aim for weed beds or reef edges.
- Let it Sink: Keep contact with your line as the jig drops.
- The Whip: Give the rod 2 to 3 sharp upward snaps. This mimics a fleeing prawn.
- The Drop (Crucial): Stop and let the jig sink naturally. 90% of squid will grab the jig on the drop. Watch your line for any sudden slack or “ticks”.
- The Hookset: If you feel weight, just lift the rod smoothly. Don’t strike violently, or you’ll rip the barbless crowns out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the best time to catch squid in Melbourne?
While you can catch them year-round, the cooler months (May to September) generally produce the largest calamari in Port Phillip Bay due to clearer water conditions.
What tide is best for squid fishing?
The last two hours of the incoming (high) tide and the first hour of the run-out tide are generally the most productive. High tide covers the weed beds where squid hunt.
What line should I use for egi fishing?
Always use braided line. A high-quality PE 0.6 to PE 0.8 braid paired with a 10lb fluorocarbon leader is the perfect setup for Melbourne piers.