The allure of squid
Whether you’re a beginner learning how to jig for squid or a seasoned pro looking to refine your technique, understanding the nuances of squid jigs is paramount. This comprehensive guide will explore the best squid jigs on the market, dissect their features, reveal the most effective colors (yes, pinks and orange are often winners!), discuss ideal sizes, optimal water depth, and the essential rod and reel setups. We’ll cover everything you need to know to turn your casts into catches and fill your cooler.
The Squid’s Perspective: Why Jigs are the Go-To Lure
Unlike many saltwater fish that rely on a broad range of senses, calamari are primarily visual hunters, especially when targeting their typical prey like small fish and shrimp/prawns. The best squid jigs exploit this by:
- Mimicking Prey: Their shape often resembles shrimp or small baitfish.
- Irresistible Motion: The darting, gliding, and sinking action of a well-worked squid jig imitates injured or fleeing prey, triggering an attack response.
- Visual Triggers: Specific colors, flash, glow elements, and realistic eyes can provoke aggressive strikes.
- Specialized Hooks: The iconic barbless “crown” or “umbrella” hooks are designed to snare a squid’s tentacles as it envelops the lure, rather than hooking its tough beak or soft mantle.
Anatomy of an Effective Squid Jig: What to Look For
When browsing tackle shops or online, keep these features in mind for selecting high-quality squid jigs:
Ultra-Sharp Crown Hooks: This is arguably the most important thing. Double-tiered, rust-resistant prongs are standard.
Balanced Keel/Weight: Ensures the squid jig sinks at the correct angle and maintains an attractive posture. This also determines the sinking rate. Some anglers ask, “Do squid jigs need weight?” or “Do you need a sinker with a squid jig?” Generally, the weight is built into the jig itself, so an additional sinker is often not needed unless you’re trying to reach extreme depths or combat very strong currents with a lighter jig (though this can affect the jig’s action).
Realistic Eyes: A key strike trigger for these visual predators.
Glow/UV Properties: Essential for low-light conditions (dawn, dusk, night) or
Feathers/Fins: Add to the shrimp-like profile and subtle movement.
Body Covering:
- Cloth-Covered: Most popular. Offers a natural texture, encouraging squid to hold on longer. Can absorb scent attractants.
- Hard-Bodied: Durable, often with internal rattles or vibrant painted finishes, including gold foils for flash.
Types of Squid Jigs: Matching the Lure to the Situation
“Egi” (餌木), the Japanese term for squid jigs, come in various styles:
- Standard Sinking (Basic Type): Versatile for various water depths.
- Shallow Type (Slow Sinking): For shallow water,
fishing over weed beds, or when squid are high in the water column. - Deep Type (Fast Sinking): Heavier, for deep water or strong currents.
- Prawn-Style Jigs: Closely mimic shrimp/prawns.
- “Tip Run” Jigs: For boat
fishing , designed to maintain bottom contact while drifting. - Rattling Jigs: Create sound vibrations, potentially useful in murky dirty water.
Choosing the Best Squid Jig: Color, Size, and Weight
1. Color Selection: A Rainbow of Possibilities
Choosing the right color is crucial. It’s best to have a selection of different colours in your tackle box.
- Natural/Subtle Shades (Browns, Greens, Clear/Whites): Best in clear water and daylight. Natural shrimp or baitfish patterns work well.
- Bright & Loud (Pinks, Oranges, Yellows, Chartreuse): Pinks and orange are standout performers. Excellent for stained or dirty water, overcast conditions, and low-light periods (dawn/dusk).
- Dark Silhouettes (Black, Dark Purple, Dark Blue, Red): Effective at night, especially against a brighter surface or under a full moon.
- Glow Jigs: A must-have for night squid
fishing or very deep water. “Charge” with a UV torch or bright flashlight. - UV-Enhanced Jigs: Highly visible to squid. Can be deadly in various water conditions.
- Gold Foils & Red Foils: Internal foils can add flash and a different hue, with gold foils often preferred in slightly stained water or for a flashier presentation.
What color light attracts squid? While jigs themselves have colors, anglers
2. Squid Jig Size: Matching the Target and Forage
Sizes (e.g., 1.8, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0) roughly correspond to length in inches. How much does a 2.5 squid jig weigh? Or a 3.0 squid jig? Weights vary by manufacturer and type (shallow, standard, deep), but as an example:
Size 1.8: ~5-7 grams
Size 2.5: ~10-12 grams
Size 3.0: ~15-18 grams
Size 4.0: ~25-30+ grams (can be heavier for “tip run” models)
- Smaller Jigs (1.5 – 2.5): For smaller squid, finicky feeders, or shallow water.
- Medium Jigs (2.5 – 3.5): The workhorses. Versatile for most piers, jetties, and inshore boat
fishing . A size 3.0 is a great all-rounder for general calamarifishing . - Larger Jigs (3.5 – 4.5+): For big squid, greater casting distance, or
fishing deep water.
Does squid jig size matter? Absolutely. Match the jig size to the prevalent local squid size and the baitfish they are likely feeding on.
3. Weight & Sinking Rate: Reaching the Strike Zone
The jig’s weight dictates its sinking rate, crucial for presenting the lure at the correct depth where squid feed. This is often listed on packaging (e.g., “3.5s/m”). Heavier jigs get down faster in current or deep water.
Essential Squid Fishing Gear: Rod, Reel, and Line
Having the right gear enhances lure presentation and bite detection.
- Squid Rod (Egi Rod): Specifically designed for squid
fishing . Typically 7-9 feet long with a light to medium-light action and a sensitive rod tip to detect subtle bites. They have the backbone to work the jig and handle hooked squid. - Reel for Squid
Fishing : A small spinning reel in the 1000 to 3000 size range (e.g., a 4000 size reel is generally too large for dedicated squid jigging but could be used if it’s all you have for general saltwater fish). A smooth drag is important, as squid tentacles can tear if too much pressure is applied. - Line: Light braided line (PE 0.6 to PE 1.0, roughly 8-15lb test) is preferred for its sensitivity and thin diameter, allowing for longer casts and better jig control.
- Leader: A fluorocarbon leader (6-12lb test) of about 1-2 meters is essential. It’s less visible to squid and provides abrasion resistance. Do you need a leader for a squid jig? Yes, it’s highly recommended.
Proven Squid Jigging Techniques
The most common method involves imparting action:
- Cast & Sink: Cast out and allow the squid jig to sink to the desired water depth. Count it down to consistently reach the zone where squid feed.
- The “Whip” or “Lift & Drop”:
- Sharply lift your rod tip 1-3 times to make the jig dart upwards aggressively.
- Quickly lower the rod tip, allowing the jig to sink on a semi-slack line. This pause on the fall is when 90% of bites occur.
- Retrieve & Repeat: Take up slack with the reel and repeat the whipping/lifting and sinking sequence. Vary your retrieval speeds and the intensity of your whips.
- Detecting the Bite: Squid bites are often subtle – a slight increase in weight, a soft tap, the line going slack, or just a different feeling. When in doubt, set the hook with a smooth, firm lift, not a jarring jerk.
- Landing: Keep steady pressure. Avoid pumping the rod too hard. Gently lift the squid onto the pier, jetty, or into a net. Be mindful of ink!
How do you rig a squid jig? The simplest squid rig is to tie your fluorocarbon leader directly to the jig’s tow point using a loop knot (like a Lefty’s Loop or Perfection Loop) to allow for maximum action. Some anglers use a small snap swivel for quick jig changes. A tandem rig (two jigs on the same leader, one above the other) can also be effective, covering different depths. A high low rig can also be adapted for this.
Best Times & Locations for Calamari Fishing
- Best Time of Day to Catch Squid: Low-light periods – dawn, dusk, and throughout the night – are prime time.
Fishing around high tide changes can also be productive. Specific months like November, December, and January can be peak season in regions like southern Australia, depending on local water temps. - Artificial Light Sources: At night, well-lit public piers, wharves, and jetties are hotspots as artificial light attracts baitfish, which in turn draw schools of squid.
- Structure: Squid often congregate around weed beds, rocky bottoms, and pylons.
- Water Depth: Squid can be found from very shallow water (a few feet) to much deeper water (50+ feet), depending on location and time of year. Experiment with different depths.
Are Expensive Squid Jigs Worth It?
While budget jigs can catch squid, high-end squid jigs from reputable brands often offer:
- Better quality hooks (sharper, more durable).
- More consistent sinking rates and balance.
- Advanced cloth materials, UV finishes, and glow properties.
- More refined and proven color patterns.
Many serious anglers find the investment in quality jigs pays off with more hookups and better durability, especially after a good last season’s experience.
Conclusion: Jig Smart for Calamari Success
The pursuit of calamari is a rewarding angling experience. Choosing the best squid jig involves understanding their predatory nature and matching your lure (color, size, sinking rate) to the prevailing water conditions and the specific depth where squid feed. Master the jigging technique, equip yourself with suitable gear (a balanced rod and reel is key), and don’t be afraid to experiment. With a well-stocked tackle box featuring a variety of quality squid jigs, especially in proven colors like pinks and orange, you’ll be well-prepared to outsmart these fascinating creatures and enjoy the reward of a fresh calamari dinner (perhaps with olive oil, garlic, and a touch of salt!).
