How To Catch Squid: A Beginners Guide

Squid fishing is an exciting and rewarding activity that's perfect for beginners looking to get into the world of ocean fishing. Whether you're fishing from the shore or out on a boat, learning how to catch squid can be a fun way to spend time outdoors while developing your fishing skills.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to get started, from the best equipment to the ideal times and techniques for squid fishing. With the right approach and a few helpful tips, you'll be on your way to reeling in these fascinating (and delicious!) creatures in no time!

Quick Links

• Where Are Squid Found?
• What Is The Best Time To Catch Squid?
• What Time Of Year Is Best For Squid Fishing?
• What Squid Rig Setup Will You Need?
• How To Fish For Squid Off A Jetty
• How To Catch Squid From A Boat
• How To Catch Squid At Night
• Squid Cleaning Tip

Where Are Squid Found?

As far as habitat goes, southern calamari are occasionally found in water as deep as 30m, but are generally more at home in the 2-6m depth zone. They prefer to live in and around seagrass meadows, particularly where tape (ribbon) weed and cork weed are prevalent. Locations such as Port Phillip Bay in Victoria, the coastal reefs off Tweed Heads in NSW, Queensland's Gold Coast and Moreton Bay, and Busselton Jetty in Western Australia are good places for catching squid.

Despite the obvious and widespread degradation of inshore weed areas, there's still plenty of tape weed around the shores, which is where the majority of squid fishing takes place. Let's take a look at squid fishing in detail, starting with land-based tackle and techniques before heading offshore.

What Is The Best Time to Catch Squid?

The best times to go fishing for squid are typically around sunrise and sunset, or within an hour before or after high tide. The water will be clearer during high tide, and clear water is key to catching squid. That's also why fishing for squid is not advisable within a few days of a big storm, as the water will be cloudy.

Do You Catch Squid At High Or Low Tide?

Catching squid is generally more successful during high tide. Squid are known to be more active and accessible to fishermen during high tide as it provides them with more water depth to move closer to the shore. During high tide, the water level rises, covering more of the shoreline and bringing the squid into shallower areas.

What Is The Best Depth For Squid?

The best depth to go when fishing for squid is around 4-6 feet deep in the water and will produce the best results when squid fishing. This is because shallow reefs, rubbly flats and weeds around this depth are ideal areas for squid to hide and ambush their prey.

What Time Of Year Is Best For Squid Fishing?

The best time of year for squid fishing depends on where you're fishing, but generally squid are most active during the cooler months, particularly in autumn and winter. They come closer to shore at this time of year to breed, making them easier to catch. In warmer waters, squid can be caught year-round, though the peak season often varies with water temperature and local conditions.

What Squid Rig Setup Will You Need?

When choosing your rig for squid fishing, it's important to use a combination that's both effective and easy to manage. A standard squid rig typically includes a lightweight rod, a spinning reel and a fluorocarbon leader for added invisibility in the water. You'll also want to use a squid jig or lure, which should match the size and colour that squids in your area are most attracted to. For added success, consider adding a sinker to keep your lure at the right depth, especially in deeper waters.

Choosing A Squid Jig Setup

It's best to carry a range of colours, as there will be occasions when one colour scheme will outfish all others. Pack at least a dozen jig colours, as well as a mix of 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 sizes. This will help you cover all bases on a day when the bite is erratic and the calamari are fussier than normal. 'Dump bin' squid jigs can be a great low-cost way to get started with squidding as you can pick up various squid jigs to experiment with different styles and colours. But with premium squid jigs, you can expect a better catch rate.

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Do You Use a Sinker With A Squid Jig?

Yes, using a sinker in combination with a squid jig is a common technique for squid fishing. A sinker (also known as a weight) is attached to the fishing line above the squid jig. The sinker's purpose is to add weight to the line, allowing the squid jig to sink more quickly and reach the desired depth where the squid are located.

How To Fish For Squid Off A Jetty

Cast the jig towards weed beds, let it sink briefly, then retrieve with short rod whips. The right retrieve speed and action depend on water depth and weed height. Work the jig near the weed tips for better results, but be mindful of snags, as losing expensive jigs can be costly. For jetty squidding, a light line is generally impractical due to this risk.

Floats For Jetty Squidding

There are several float styles that work well, but whatever you choose must have a thin internal conduit that will enable the float to run freely between stoppers. Turnip-shaped polystyrene models are often preferrable to the more streamlined torpedo-shaped floats. They don't cast as well, but provide a bit more buoyancy, which helps out with hook-ups as a squid grabs the jig and tries to jet away with it.

Casting Techniques On Jetties

With a decent rod and calm conditions, it's easy to cast the floating rig 30m or more. You can then close the spinning reel's bail arm and simply wait for a squid, or leave the bail arm open and allow the wind or tide to take the float away from the jetty. With the bail arm open you've got to keep a constant eye on the float though, as a hooked squid can spool the reel and drag the rod over the jetty rail!

The heavier the squid, the more chance of it falling off between the water and jetty railing. If big squid are a possibility, a light single-ring crab net can be deployed quickly to secure lightly hooked or heavy squid, or you can walk any big squid into shore and collect them from the beach.

How To Catch Squid From A Boat

A boat makes squid fishing easier, particularly in late autumn through winter and early spring when squidding is often the most productive. As long as the inshore water is clear, the wind is under five knots or so and you have a decent tidal exchange, the chances of a good bag are excellent. However, you can squid fish successfully in heavier wind by deploying a sea anchor (drogue) that will slow the drift rate significantly.

Getting Your Drift Speed & Landing Right

Getting your jig down deep enough to drag squid from the weed beds is more difficult in a boat that's moving too quickly. Most boats drift side-on to the wind, so fish on the leeward side for the best results. Also, fish with the wind behind your cast so that the boat drifts down on the jig rather than pulling away from it.

While it's usually simple to lift standard-size squid over the gunwale and into the boat, a landing net makes it easier. The preferred water depth for boat squidding is generally 2.5-5m, and working above ribbon or cork weed is recommended.

How To Catch Squid At Night

Fishing for squid at night can be highly productive since squid are more active in the dark. Use bright or glow-in-the-dark jigs to attract them, as they are more visible in low light. Focus on areas with natural light sources like pier lights - squid tend to congregate around these spots. Cast your jig and allow it to sink, then use slow, deliberate jerks to mimic the movement of prey. Keep an eye on the tide and wind conditions as they can influence where squid will be. With patience and a steady rhythm, you can enjoy a successful night of squidding!

Squid Cleaning Tip

Catching squid in a boat offers one distinct advantage over land-based squid fishing, and that's when it comes time to clean the catch. Your fish scaling bags can double up as handy squid processing devices! Simply load your calamari whole into a scaling bag and tow them behind the boat for a couple of minutes, and you'll find it does a reasonable job of cleaning them up. For an even better result, remove the squids' heads first and cut away the tip of the mantle with a sharp knife. Your squid will end up totally ink-free with all the outer skin removed, and you'll have little (if any) internals to deal with.

Try These Amazing Squid Fishing Tips Today

Try out these awesome squid fishing tips today for the perfect way to escape with the family for a fun weekend. Before you head out though, make sure you are fully stocked up on all your fishing gear needs, such as fishing lines, fishing rods, fishing reels and much more. Make sure you check out our Adventure Centre for more awesome and helpful fishing tips such as:

• Top 10 Lures For Catching Trout
• Murray Cod Tips & Tricks
• How To Catch A MONSTER Murray Cod
• Picking The Right Cod Reel

Find your local Anaconda store and check out our extensive range of squid jigs and fishing gear to get you ready for your next squid fishing trip.