The Best Times and Locations for Squid Fishing Success in Australia

As sunset colors dance across the water, you make one last hopeful cast from your favorite Aussie fishing spot. Will your jig finally tempt the elusive squid from their lairs? Understanding prime times and hot spots holds the key to more consistent catches.

Squid remain active year-round in Australian waters, but targeting key windows and locations can significantly increase your hauls. Let’s explore top tips that will have you hauling up tasty calamari more frequently.

Peak Times

• Early Morning & Evening: Target the periods around dawn and dusk when squid become most active. About an hour before or after sunrise/sunset represents primetime.
• Incoming Tide: Squid move into shallower waters to feed as the tide rises. High tide or an hour either side often offers your best chances during tidal shifts.
• Clear Water: After heavy rains or winds stir up sediment, let a few tide cycles pass for clearer conditions. Squid struggle hunting in murky water with poor visibility.

Top Squidding Spots in New South Wales

• Pittwater & Cowan Creek: The maze of bays, beaches and rippling shallows here draw squid hunters from Sydney and beyond. Fish land-based from wharves or by boat.
• Waratah Bay & Yeomans Bay: These two sheltered beaches tucked into the NSW Central Coast pen several schools of squid. Wade out from shore or use kayaks to access hot zones.
• Stingray Bay: Near Nelson Bay, this aptly named spot holds bounties of squid and rays alike. Target areas around 3-6 meters deep.

Where to Catch Squid in Victoria

• Queenscliff & Hastings: Situated at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay, Queenscliff offers easy shore access to schools of squid. Hastings produces the state’s largest specimens.
• Mornington & Mount Martha: The jagged stretches of reefs here draw hungry squid patrolling for crabs and prawns. Fish from beaches or nearby piers.
• Port Welshpool: This peaceful fishing village provides boat, kayak and pier access to squid cruising through the inlet channels.

The top squidding spots in Queensland

• Halls Reef and Sunshine Reef: These are known for offering plenty of chances to hook into various fish species, including squid
• Brisbane River: It offers a variety of fish, making it a good spot for squid fishing
• Hervey Bay: The surrounding waters are known for being the hunting grounds of many desirable fish, including squid
• Cairns: It is a sport fishing mecca and a great spot for squid fishing, especially beyond the reefs around the Continental Shelf
• Gold Coast: It provides exhilarating fishing and is known for being a good spot for squid fishing

Western Australia

Squid can be caught in various locations in Western Australia, including inshore waters and specific spots such as Geographe Bay, Busselton Jetty, Fremantle moles, Rottnest Island, Princess Royal Harbour in Albany, and King George Sound in Albany. Squid are found in inshore waters and some of the more reliable locations include Geographe Bay, especially in the portion of the bay off Busselton, Cockburn Sound, and King George Sound. Additionally, popular fishing spots for squid within the Perth/Freo boundary include Woodman’s Point, Southside of Cottesloe groyne, fishing boat harbour, Bicton near the scout hall, and the corner of the Wharf in front of the Maritime museum. These locations are known for their squid populations and are accessible for both shore and boat fishing.

Squid can be caught in South Australia

• Yorke Peninsula: Yorke Peninsula offers some of the best squid fishing locations in South Australia, with sheltered bays, crystal clear water, jetties, and seagrass meadows.
• Fleurieu Peninsula: From October to December, off the coast of South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, it’s peak spawning season for squid. This includes a native species of squid called southern calamari, which are found in southern Australia and only live for about one year. They are commonly found in South Australia’s waters with thousands usually seen in and around Rapid Head Sanctuary Zone in the Encounter Marine Park.
• Marion Bay Jetty: Marion Bay Jetty is known for large southern calamari, especially during the late winter and spring months when these large squid congregate in the shallower waters to breed.

These spots offer a diverse range of fishing experiences and are popular among both locals and visiting anglers.

Top Land-Based Squidding Tips

• Pick high tide periods to fish closer to shore with better depth access.
• Seek out structures like reefs, beds of sea grass and kelp forests.
• Braided line and light jig heads enable longer casts from jetties.

I hope these insights help you start connecting with more squid off Australia’s gorgeous beaches and waterways. Stay tuned for more tips on gear, rigging and retrieval techniques soon!

Specialized Gear and Techniques for Targeting Elusive Squid

When it comes to squid fishing techniques, it’s important to have the right equipment. Make sure you have a good quality fishing rod and reel that can handle the weight and strength of squid. You’ll also need a selection of jigs in different sizes, as using the right size jig can make a big difference in your catch rate. Smaller jigs are generally more effective for catching smaller squid, while larger jigs are better for attracting larger squid.

Delicious calamari often proves tricky to hook, requiring the right mix of specialized rods, lines, leaders and jigs for enticing their bites. Let’s overview the ideal squid fishing setup and retrieval tactics favored by seasoned Aussie anglers:

Rods and Reels

When squid fishing, take advantage of light “eging rods” specifically built to optimize sensitivity for detecting subtle nibbles. Lengths span 7-8 feet to enable long casts off of shore, docks or boats. Pair your eging rod with an appropriately-sized 2500 or 3000 spinning reel comfortable for all-day outings.

Lines and Leaders

Since squid strike tentatively, braided lines excel due to the instant hookset transmission and sensitivity they provide. Pick braids with low visibility, like clear options under 10lb breaking strain. Tie on a short, 6-8lb fluorocarbon leader for extra invisibility around the jig.

Jigs and Attractors

Compared to fish, squid obsess over jig details like color, shape, fall rate and action. Always carry an assortment of proven jigs in sizes 2.5-3.5 like Yamashita’s Ika and Emeraldas models. Add glow tube, feather and other attractors until you solve the combination enticing picky squid that day.

Technique Tips

When feeling that distinctive double tap of a squid attack, resist striking immediately and let additional subtle bites register well first. Employ longer lifts/drops between scoops and vary jerky “popping” action to trigger those maddening squid to finally inhale hooks. Use blacklight/glow jigs and tubes for increased visibility and appeal after sunset. Mastering these specialized equipment selections and tactics steepens the squid landing learning curve significantly.

Spring and Autum Squid Fishing

Spring and Autumn are the prime seasons for squid fishing, when the water temperature is just right and the squid are abundant and ready to be caught. If you’re an avid angler looking for an exciting and fulfilling fishing experience, squid fishing during these seasons is a must-try.

Not only do you have the advantage of favorable water conditions, but there are also various squid fishing techniques and equipment available to enhance your chances of success. From using jigs and squid lures to setting up squid jigs beneath a light source, you’ll have plenty of options to experiment with.

Summer Squid Fishing Tips

To maximize your squid fishing success during the summer months, it’s time to take advantage of the squid’s increased activity and their attraction to lights at night. Summer is the perfect time to head out on the water and try your luck at catching these elusive creatures.

So, what’re some tips to help you reel in a big catch? First, make sure you have the right gear. Squid jigs are essential for mimicking the appearance and movement of squid, increasing your chances of a bite. Additionally, consider using natural baits like fish strips or prawns to entice the squid.

When it comes to technique, try fishing early in the morning or late in the afternoon when squid are most active. Look for areas with seagrass beds and rocky reefs, as these are prime spots for squid hunting. Remember, patience and persistence are key when it comes to squid fishing, so don’t give up if you don’t get a bite right away.

Winter Squid Fishing Strategies

Winter squid fishing is harder. The key to a successful winter squid fishing trip lies in having the right gear. Make sure to invest in high-quality winter squid fishing gear such as warm clothing, waterproof boots, and gloves to protect yourself from the cold.

As for the locations, during winter, squid tend to move to deeper waters to find warmer temperatures. Look for areas with rocky bottoms, piers, or jetties where squid like to hide. These spots provide the perfect opportunity to catch some delicious squid.

Best Times of Day for Squid Fishing

For optimal squid fishing success, squid fishing, early morning and late afternoon are the prime times to reel in those slippery creatures. Squid are most active during these hours, making it easier to catch them.

The low light conditions at these times also work in your favor, as squid are attracted to artificial light sources. Additionally, fishing during high tide increases your chances of success, especially during the warmer months. Squid tend to move closer to shore during high tide, making shallow water near seagrass beds and rocky areas the ideal locations for squid fishing.

Squid Fishing in Different Weather Conditions

Clear skies and calm weather conditions are ideal for successful squid fishing. When the weather is calm, it’s easier to spot squid in the water and they’re more likely to be active and feeding. This means you have a better chance of attracting them with your bait or lure. In addition, calm weather conditions make it easier to control your boat or kayak, allowing you to position yourself in the best spots for squid fishing.