Omar Khalid
Squid fishing can be a fun activity for both novice and experienced anglers. Squid are typically nocturnal and are attracted to light, so it is best to go fishing for them at night under or near illuminated areas. Squid also tend to gather in schools in deeper waters during high tide, so it is recommended to fish during this time. When it comes to bait, a popular choice is the squid jig, which comes in various sizes and colours. Interestingly, some anglers have reported catching squid using soft plastic swim baits intended for other species. While this may not be a dedicated technique for squid fishing, it could be worth trying if you already use soft plastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best bait | Squid jig |
| Squid jig characteristics | Body that looks like a fish, illuminated, one or two rows of sharp points |
| Squid jig sizes | 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 |
| Live bait | Smaller squid, minnows |
| Fishing time | Night |
| Fishing location | Jetty, pier, wharf, dock, bulkhead, bridge, boat |
| Fishing rod | Light, long |
| Fishing line | 6-20-pound line |
| Fishing conditions | High tide, cloudy, rainy |
| Lures | Single, multiple |
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What You'll Learn
- Squid jig lures: Use multiple lures with different colours and sizes to find what works
- Night fishing: Squid are most active at night and are attracted to light
- High tide: Squid prefer deeper water, so fish when the tide is high
- Live bait: If you don't want to use a squid jig, try fishing with smaller squid or other bait fish
- Fishing spots: Look for squid near jetties or piers, where they hide from predators in the grass and light
Squid jig lures: Use multiple lures with different colours and sizes to find what works
Squid jig lures come in a variety of colours, sizes, weights, and styles. The key is to experiment with different lures to find what works best for the conditions and the squid you're targeting. Squid can be caught during the day, but they are most active at night and are attracted to light, so consider using luminous lures or adding lights to your boat or canoe.
When selecting a squid jig, opt for the best quality you can afford. Cheaper jigs may not be as effective as the more expensive ones, which often have better build quality, sink rate, and colour designs. Japanese brands, in particular, are known for their superior quality. The jig's size, weight, and style should also match the fishing environment and the size of the squid you're targeting. For example, smaller jigs are typically used in shallower estuaries, while larger jigs are used in deeper coastal waters. The time of year can also influence the size of the jig, with larger jigs being more suitable for winter when southern calamari are preparing to spawn, and smaller jigs for summer when juvenile squid are more prevalent.
The colour of the jig is another important consideration. Transparent bodies allow for more natural layers of colour to be overlaid, making them ideal for subtle colour presentations. UV bodies are more visible in the presence of UV light, making them effective in deeper water or on overcast days. Glow bodies provide a luminous radiance when charged by light, making them useful in low light or dirty water conditions. Additionally, toned, natural hues like brown or olive can be effective when more vibrant colours aren't working.
It is recommended to have a variety of squid jig lures in your arsenal and to experiment with different colours, sizes, and arrangements to find what works best. Squid can become wary of a particular jig if they see their mates getting dragged away by it, so don't be afraid to switch things up if the bite suddenly goes quiet. Try using lures with different sizes and colours on the line to test which combination attracts the most squid.
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Night fishing: Squid are most active at night and are attracted to light
Squid are most active at night and are attracted to light. Night fishing is, therefore, the best time to catch squid. Squid like to hide from predators in the weeds, and the combination of grass and light at an illuminated jetty or pier makes it the perfect location for squid fishing.
If you're fishing from a jetty or pier, look for spots with lights. If there are none, bring a lantern or another bright light. Squid fishing lights are the easiest way to attract squid. The best lights are capable of shining brightly and have colours geared towards nocturnal species. Warm white or cool white lights are the best colours for attracting squid. Blue and bright green LED lights are also ideal for squid fishing. They are bright enough to penetrate the water and can be battery-powered, making them cost-effective and long-lasting.
If you're fishing from a boat, place lights on the bottom or sides of your vessel. You can also use an underwater light and sink it to the bottom, bringing it back up when you attract the squid. Using a line with barbless lures under the water and a spool, squid will be caught in the netting on the side of the boat.
Squid fishing is also possible without a boat or jetty. Simply find a grassy area and use a bright light to attract the squid.
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High tide: Squid prefer deeper water, so fish when the tide is high
Squid fishing can be a fun activity for both novice and experienced anglers. Squid are known to prefer deeper waters, so fishing during high tide can increase your chances of catching them. Here are some tips to maximize your success when fishing with plastic squid during high tide:
Timing is key: Squid tend to feed at night, so it is generally best to go squid fishing after dark. However, they are also attracted to light, so combining a high tide with a cloudy or rainy evening can create the perfect conditions to attract and catch squid. If possible, try to plan your trip to coincide with a full moon, as this can further improve your chances.
Location, location, location: You don't necessarily need a boat to fish for squid effectively. Squid often hide from predators in weeds or grassy areas, so look for illuminated jetties or piers where grass and light come together. Squid ink spots on decks or jetties are a telltale sign that squid have been caught there recently. If you prefer fishing from a boat, consider adding lights to the bottom or sides of your vessel to attract squid.
Gear and techniques: When it comes to gear, a light, long fishing reel is ideal for squid fishing. You can use a variety of line weights, but lighter lines are generally preferable as they allow you to feel even the slightest changes and bites. A squid jig is the most popular type of bait for squid fishing. These lures come in different weights and sizes, commonly ranging from 2 to 4 inches in length. They are designed to mimic the appearance of a fish and often include illumination to attract squid. Experiment with different colors and sizes to find what works best on a given day.
Local knowledge: Remember that squid fishing techniques and locations can vary depending on your area. Check online or with local fishing enthusiasts to learn the specifics of squid fishing in your region. This includes understanding any state regulations and gear rules for squid fishing, as well as ensuring you have the necessary fishing licenses.
By following these tips and techniques, you'll be well on your way to successfully fishing for squid with plastic squid lures during high tide.
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Live bait: If you don't want to use a squid jig, try fishing with smaller squid or other bait fish
If you don't want to use a squid jig, you can try fishing with live bait. Squid feed at night and are attracted to light, so it is best to fish after dark near a wharf, dock, pier, bulkhead, or bridge. You can also fish from a boat, placing lights on the sides or bottom of your vessel. Squid like to hide from predators in weeds, so look for a combination of grass and light.
When fishing with live bait, you can use smaller squid or other common bait fish, such as minnows. If you are using smaller squid, you can catch them by jigging. This involves tying a tiny hook on a light line and using a sliver of bait. Squid jigs are also available in some tackle shops, but they can be hard to find.
When fishing with live bait, it is important to use the proper gear. A light, long fishing reel is best for squid fishing, as it allows you to feel even the slightest changes. You can use a line ranging from six to 20 pounds, but the lighter the better. You can also use light spinning tackle with a braided line and a 7-foot rod.
It is also important to consider the depth at which you are fishing. Squid can be found at various depths, so it is a good idea to try jigging at different depths until you find success. In general, squid prefer deeper water where they feel more protected, so fishing at high tide increases your chances of catching more squid.
By using live bait and considering the gear and conditions squid prefer, you can increase your chances of success when fishing for this challenging species.
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Fishing spots: Look for squid near jetties or piers, where they hide from predators in the grass and light
Squid are attracted to light and like to hide from predators in the grass, so jetties and piers are ideal spots to fish for them. You don't need a boat to fish for squid, and jetties and piers provide the perfect combination of grass and light. Look out for squid ink stains on the jetty or pier, as these are a big clue that squid have been caught there recently. You can also search online to find popular locations in your area for squid fishing.
When fishing from a jetty or pier, try using a ledger rig, which is a series of hooks hanging off a single rig. Tie two squid lures from the main line of a rig that is attached to a small sinker, which will help it reach the desired depth. Squid jigs are the most popular type of bait for squid fishing. They have a body that looks like a fish, is illuminated to catch their attention, and has sharp points that allow them to be reeled in when the squid bites. All types of squid jigs will catch squid, and it's best to have a variety of sizes and colours to test until you find one that works.
If you're fishing from a jetty or pier, cast your lure out some distance and allow it to sink to the depth where squid may be lurking. Retrieve it with a series of steady jerks or "jigs". Multiple lures can also be effective when fishing from a jetty or pier. Drop them into the lighted area of the water and lower them to the chosen depth, which is often just off the bottom. Then, slowly raise and lower them in the water column.
Remember, depth is critical when fishing for squid. Squid like to hide from predators in grassy areas, so look for jetties or piers with nearby grass or kelp beds. They also prefer clear water and are rarely found far from their shelter. Even when hunting, they stay close to their shelters, so look for jetties or piers near small patches of reef, mussel beds, seagrass meadows, or man-made structures like rock breakwaters or jetty pylons.
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Frequently asked questions
Squid jigs are the most popular type of bait for squid fishing. They have an oblong body that looks like a fish, and they are illuminated to attract the squid. They also have sharp points that hook the squid when they bite.
Squid fishing is mostly a nocturnal activity. They are attracted to light, so it is best to go fishing at night in a lighted area. Squid also prefer deeper water, so it is best to go fishing during high tide.
Squid like to hide from predators in weeds, so a jetty or pier with grass and light is a good location. If there is no jetty nearby, you can also fish from a boat with lights on the bottom or sides.
Squid are aggressive and quick-swimming, so it is important to use a light, long fishing reel to feel even the slightest changes. Keep the slack out of your line, as squid will let go if there is slack. When lifting a squid out of the water, hesitate to allow it to squirt its ink.
It is important to check the regulations and have a fishing license. It is also a good idea to experiment with different lure sizes and colors to see what works best. Squid travel in schools and feed on small fish, so it can be helpful to look for areas where there is bait fish.
