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How To Choose The Right Squid Fishing Setup
Squid fishing is one of those great fishing styles that's relatively easy to get into, but can become surprisingly addictive once you start figuring out the tricks. And because calamari are widely available around Australia's coastline, it gives new anglers plenty of opportunities to get out and have a crack.
One of the most popular ways to target squid is EGI fishing, a Japanese technique that uses specialised squid jigs and tackle. With the right setup, you can cast, work your jig and detect subtle squid takes with plenty of control, making it an approachable style for beginners and experienced fishos alike.
Choosing the right rod, reel, line and squid jig will help you get more from every session. From understanding EGI rod ratings to matching jig size with water depth, we'll cover the essentials so you can build a squid setup that suits where and how you fish!
Quick Links
- What EGI Fishing Is & Why It's So Popular
- How EGI Rods Benefit New Squid Fishers
- Matching Your Squid Rod Reel & Line
- How EGI Rods Differ From Standard Spin Rods
- Choosing The Right Squid Jig Size For Water Depth
- Why Squid Jigs Differ From Regular Fishing Lures
- Essentials For A Comfortable Squid Fishing Session
What EGI Fishing Is & Why It's So Popular
EGI fishing is a Japanese squid fishing technique centred around specialised squid jigs known as egis. The word 'egi' is associated with squid lures in Japanese, combining the characters for bait (e) and wood (ki). The technique of casting and manipulating an EGI to catch squid (known in Japan as egingu) has become increasingly popular among Australian anglers targeting calamari from beaches, rock platforms, jetties, piers, kayaks and boats.
It's now one of Australia's fastest-growing fishing styles, and it's easy to see why. Squid are found around much of Australia's coastline, they're accessible to anglers of different experience levels and you don't need an enormous amount of equipment to get started.
Why Squid Make Great Targets For New Anglers
Squid can be an excellent species to learn the fundamentals of lure fishing. Casting, retrieving, reading water and feeling for subtle takes are all important parts of EGI fishing, while the visual nature of squid fishing makes it particularly rewarding when you see one follow your jig.
A dedicated EGI rod is worth considering from the start. Compared with a standard spin rod, an EGI rod typically has a lighter blank and specialised action designed to give you greater control over a squid jig.
Our range of squid rods, spinning reels, braided line and squid jigs can help you put together a setup designed specifically for chasing calamari.
How EGI Rods Benefit New Squid Fishers
EGI rods are designed around the way squid jigs are cast and worked, giving you a level of control that a general-purpose rod may not provide. Their lightweight construction makes repetitive casting more comfortable, which is handy when you're covering plenty of water during a session.
Sensitivity is another major advantage. A responsive tip can help you detect subtle takes and impart the small movements needed to make an EGI lure look appealing.
A dedicated EGI rod can also help improve hook-up and landing rates by providing an action suited to squid. This can help reduce the risk of tearing the squid's delicate tentacles when you're fighting and landing your catch.
Key EGI Rod Benefits
- Lightweight construction for repeated casting
- Sensitive tip for detecting subtle takes
- Responsive action for working EGI jigs
- Improved casting distance and lure control
Longer EGI rods can also provide useful casting distance when you're fishing from piers, beaches and shallow reef edges. Our range of EGI rods gives you options for different fishing environments and experience levels.
An Overview Of EGI Rod Setup Specs
Spec | What it Means | Why It Matters |
Length | Rod size ranges from 7'6" to 8'4" | Impacts casting distance. Choose based on whether you're on a boat or fishing from a pier or jetty. |
EGI Rating | Recommended jig sizes | Ensures correct lure performance. |
Action | Flexible profile and responsive tip | Allows you to work squid jigs correctly. |
PE Rating | Line class | Tells you which braid weight is best to use. |
Reel Size | The best size reel for the line and rod you're using | The rod and reel combine for optimum balance, helping you cast and retrieve for longer with less fatigue. |
Matching Your Squid Rod Reel & Line
Building an EGI setup is all about matching your tackle. Rod length and PE rating can provide useful guidance when selecting your reel, braided line and squid jig, so it's worth understanding what those numbers mean before you buy.
The rod's length affects casting distance, leverage and how easily you can work your jig. PE ratings relate primarily to the recommended line class, rather than being a direct measurement of breaking strain, so always check the manufacturer's specifications when matching your braid.
Choosing The Right Reel & Line
A 2500-3000 size spinning reel is a common starting point for EGI fishing. Look for a smooth, reliable drag and a reel weight that balances comfortably with your chosen rod, because a well-balanced setup feels much nicer after a few hundred casts.
Braided line is popular for squid fishing because it provides excellent sensitivity and low stretch, helping you feel subtle movements and maintain contact with your jig. A fluorocarbon leader line can then provide abrasion resistance and a less visible connection between your braid and jig.
When putting together your setup, consider:
- Matching your reel size to the rod.
- Checking the rod's recommended PE range.
- Choosing braid suited to the rod and reel.
- Adding an appropriate fluorocarbon leader.
- Making sure the complete outfit feels balanced in your hands.
Our range of spinning reels, braided fishing line and fluorocarbon leader line makes it easy to build a balanced EGI outfit rather than piecing together incompatible tackle.
How EGI Rods Differ From Standard Spin Rods
An EGI rod is designed specifically around squid jigs, which means its blank, action and overall balance are tailored to the technique. Lightweight graphite construction can reduce fatigue and help you achieve longer, more accurate casts.
The tip is another important difference. EGI rods generally feature a softer, responsive tip that helps impart action to the jig while providing sensitivity when a squid grabs on.
A quick recovery after each lure movement can also help you work the jig consistently. The length of the rod can make casting easier from piers, rock platforms and shallow reef edges, while the blank is designed to suit the weights of common EGI jigs.
Can You Use A Standard Spin Rod?
Absolutely, and plenty of anglers have started this way. A suitable spinning rod can cast an EGI jig and catch squid, but it may lack the sensitivity, balance and specialised action of an EGI rod.
If you're getting serious about squid fishing, upgrading to a dedicated EGI rod can make the technique easier to learn and more enjoyable to fish. Pair it with a suitable spinning reel and braid for a lightweight setup that's ready for plenty of casting.
Choosing The Right Squid Jig Size For Water Depth
Squid jigs come in different sizes and sink rates, allowing you to adapt your presentation to the water you're fishing. Jig size can influence casting distance, sink speed and the way the lure moves through the water.
As a general guide, smaller jigs are useful in shallow water, while larger sizes can be better suited to deeper areas and larger squid.
A Guide To Jig Sizes
- Size 1.8: approximately 1-3 metres
- Size 2.5: approximately 2-5 metres
- Size 3.0: approximately 3-8 metres
- Size 3.5: generally suited to water deeper than 5 metres
These aren't rigid rules, as conditions, sink rates and current can all affect how a jig behaves. Adjust your retrieve speed and allow enough time for the jig to reach the desired depth before working it.
Our range of squid jigs includes different sizes and colours, allowing you to experiment until you find a combination that suits your local conditions.
An Overview Of Squid Jig Setup Specs
Spec | What it Means | Why It Matters |
Size | 1.8 up to 4.0 | Smaller sizes suit shallower water, while larger sizes are best for deeper waters. |
Sink Rates | The speed your jig sinks in the water | Sink rates determine how fast your jig sinks in the water. Typically, anglers choose larger jigs as they sink faster in deeper water |
Colours | Jigs that look like fish or are designed to attract fish, in natural colours or bright, UV or glow options. | Natural colours for clear water. Bright colours suit low-light conditions, while UV and glow options are good for night fishing. |
Why Squid Jigs Differ From Regular Fishing Lures
Squid jigs aren't simply standard lures with a different shape. Their design has been developed specifically to imitate prey and create the movements that attract squid, with features such as body shape, balance, sink rate and specialised hook arrangements all playing a role.
Size helps maintain an appropriate swimming action at different depths. A 2.5 jig is a useful all-round option for calamari, while moving up in size can help when you're targeting larger squid or fishing deeper water.
Matching Your Jig Colour To The Conditions
Colour selection can also make a difference. Water clarity, sunlight, cloud cover and fishing time can all influence which colour stands out most effectively.
A handy approach is to carry a selection rather than relying on one favourite:
- Natural or subtle colours for clear conditions
- Brighter colours when visibility is reduced
- Glow or UV-style options for low-light sessions
- Different patterns to give pressured squid something new to look at
Experiment with your retrieve too. Short, sharp lifts followed by a controlled sink are commonly used when working EGI jigs, but varying the cadence can help you discover what the squid want on the day.
Essentials For A Comfortable Squid Fishing Session
A good squid setup doesn't stop at your rod and jig. Your comfort, safety and ability to see what's happening around you can make a big difference, particularly if you're fishing around dawn, dusk, at night or from exposed shorelines.
Dress for the conditions and think about where you're fishing. A long-sleeve UV fishing shirt can provide useful sun protection during the day, while a hoodie or warm layer can make cooler dawn and evening sessions much more comfortable.
If you're fishing from rocks or shorelines, high-grip footwear is particularly important. Choose footwear that provides secure footing and remains comfortable during long sessions, especially when you're moving across wet or uneven surfaces.
Sun protection should also be part of every fishing kit. Sunscreen, polarised sunglasses, a hat and long sleeves can help protect you during extended time outdoors.
For night sessions, a headlamp makes rigging, casting and landing squid much easier. If you're fishing from a boat, make sure you carry and wear the appropriate lifejacket or PFD for your activity and location.
A simple checklist can help:
- EGI rod and spinning reel
- Braided line and fluorocarbon leader
- Selection of squid jigs
- Headlamp for low-light sessions
- High-grip fishing footwear
- Sunscreen, hat and polarised sunglasses
- Suitable clothing for changing weather
- PFD or lifejacket when fishing from a boat
Find All Your Squid Fishing Supplies & Everything Else You Need At Anaconda Today
With the right combination of EGI tackle and practical fishing accessories, you'll be prepared to chase squid in a range of conditions. And once you land your first calamari on a jig you've chosen and worked yourself, don't be surprised if squid fishing becomes your new favourite excuse to get out on the water!
At Anaconda, our fishing range includes all the squid gear you need, including EGI rods, spinning reels, braided line, fluorocarbon leader line, squid jigs, tackle storage and other fishing essentials. Just get your setup sorted, hit your local coastline and see what you can tempt onto the jig!
Before you head out though, make sure you check out our Adventure Centre for more handy tips and exciting inspiration. If you liked this guide to How To Choose The Right Squid Fishing Setup, then you might also like some of our other helpful articles, such as:
- The Best Times Of Year For Squid Fishing
- Choosing The Right Colour Squid Jig To Maximise Your Success
- How To Catch Squid: A Beginner's Guide
- Fishing Licences In Australia
Find your local Anaconda store and check out our extensive fishing range for your next outdoor adventure.
