Squid fishing in Australia is a rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels. With species such as southern calamari, arrow squid, and tiger squid, Australia offers some of the best squid fishing opportunities in the world.
Using the right techniques, gear, and locations can significantly improve your chances of a successful catch. This guide covers where to fish, what gear to use, and how to maximize your catch rate using proven squid fishing methods.
Best Squid Fishing Locations in Australia
Australia has a wide range of squid fishing spots, but certain regions consistently produce the best results.
Victoria
•Port Phillip Bay – Known for its abundant squid population and accessibility.
•Western Port Bay – Offers excellent jigging opportunities, especially during peak season.
New South Wales
•Sydney Harbour – A productive year-round location, with piers and rock structures providing prime squid habitat.
•Jervis Bay – Crystal-clear waters make this a top location for sight-fishing squid.
Tasmania
•Derwent River, Hobart – Home to large tiger squid, particularly during the warmer months.
•Bruny Island – A hotspot for southern calamari, with high success rates from boats and shorelines.
South Australia
•Kangaroo Island – A top destination for targeting large squid populations.
•Port Lincoln – Productive throughout the year, offering great conditions for both land-based and boat fishing.
Pro Tip: Squid prefer areas with seagrass beds, jetties, and rocky reefs where they can ambush prey.
Best Squid Fishing Techniques
EGI Fishing (Squid Jigging) – The Most Effective Method
Squid jigging, or EGI fishing, is the most popular and effective technique for targeting squid. It involves using specialized jigs designed to mimic natural prey.
How to EGI Fish for Squid:
1.Cast near structures such as seagrass beds or rocky areas.
2.Let the jig sink to the desired depth.
3.Use a sharp lift-and-pause retrieve to imitate a darting prawn.
4.Pay attention to resistance on the line – squid often grab the jig lightly before fully committing.
Best Squid Jigs:
•Yamashita Egi Sutte R – A well-known, highly effective squid jig.
•Yo-Zuri Aurie-Q RS – Great for clear waters with minimal currents.
•Daiwa Emeraldas Nude – A premium option for deep-water squid fishing.
Recommended Rod: Favorite Blue Bird 7’0” – A high-sensitivity rod ideal for light jigging.
Bait Fishing for Squid
While squid jigs are highly effective, using natural bait can sometimes produce better results, especially at night or in murky conditions.
Best Baits for Squid:
•Fresh prawns
•Whole pilchards
•Strips of fresh fish
How to Fish with Bait:
1.Rig the bait on a paternoster rig with a sinker to keep it at the desired depth.
2.Cast near structure and let the bait drift naturally.
3.Maintain slight tension on the line to detect subtle bites.
Recommended Rod: Favorite Skyline 7’6” – Designed for versatility and excellent sensitivity.
Essential Gear for Squid Fishing
Selecting the right equipment is crucial for improving your success rate.
•Rod: Light-action spinning rods with fast tips for detecting soft squid bites.
•Reel: 2000-3000 size spinning reel with a smooth drag system.
•Line: 6-10 lb braid for high sensitivity.
•Leader: 10-15 lb fluorocarbon to protect against squid ink and abrasion.
•Jigs: 2.5-3.5 size squid jigs, adjusted based on depth and water clarity.
Pro Tip: Squid are highly visual hunters. Use UV or glow-in-the-dark jigs in low-light conditions to increase strikes.
Best Times and Conditions for Squid Fishing
•Season: Squid can be caught year-round, but spring and autumn offer the most consistent results.
•Time of Day: Early morning and late evening are peak feeding times.
•Tide & Moon Phase: Incoming tides and full moons tend to improve activity.
Pro Tip: At night, squid are drawn to artificial lights, making jetty fishing under lights highly effective.
Squid Fishing Regulations in Australia
Fishing regulations vary by state, so it’s important to check local rules before heading out.
•Victoria: Bag limit 10 per person
•New South Wales: Bag limit 20 per person
•Tasmania: Bag limit 15 per person
•South Australia: No strict limit, but catch-and-release is encouraged for sustainability.
For the most up-to-date regulations, visit: Fisheries Australia.
Conclusion
Squid fishing in Australia is an exciting and accessible activity that can be enjoyed from the shore, piers, or boats. By using the right techniques, lures, and tackle, you can significantly improve your success rate.
Upgrade your squid fishing setup with Favorite rods designed for superior performance and sensitivity.
Want to share your squid fishing tips? Drop a comment below and let us know your favorite technique!