Gear for Squid Fishing

• Rod      & reel – A 7–9 ft light spinning rod with a sensitive tip helps you cast long and feel subtle squid takes. A 2500–3000  size reel is plenty. 
• Line –      8–15 lb braid with 8–12 lb fluorocarbon leader. Fluoro is less visible in clear water. 

Jigs – Sizes 2.5–3.5 Egi (squid jigs). Carry natural colours (brown, green, white) for clear waters, and bright/glow jigs (pink, orange, luminous) for murky water. 

Best Times 

• Dusk into night – Squid move closer to shore at low light to ambush baitfish. 
• Tide movement – An incoming tide is prime, as baitfish sweep in with the flow. Ebbing tides can also be productive around piers as they sit waiting to ambush prey on seaward-facing structures. 
• Artificial light – Target piers, jetties, and seawalls with overhead lights, or where anglers shine portable LED/halogen lamps into the water. Add a glow stick at night.

Shore Jigging Technique

• Casting angle – Cast diagonally along jetty walls or into deeper water, not just straight out. Squid often sit in ambush zones near structures. 
• Sink      & count – Let the jig sink until it hits bottom or the desired depth (count seconds to gauge depth). 
• Lift–pause rhythm – Two or three sharp lifts of the rod tip, then pause to let the jig flutter down. Most squid grab it on the fall. 
• Slow wind – If you’re new, a slow retrieve with occasional pauses works surprisingly well. 

Spotting & Targeting

• Ink stains = hot spot – If you see black stains on pier decking or rocks, you’re in the right place! 
• Clear water advantage – Shore squid rely heavily on sight. The clearer the water, the better your chances. 
• Structure hunting – Cast near weed beds, rock ledges, or under pier pilings where baitfish hide. 

Tricks for Success

• Work the water column – Try bottom, mid-water, and near-surface until you find where the squid are holding. 
• Multiple jigs ready – Swap between colours and sizes quickly if one isn’t producing the desired results. 
• Use a float rig – In calm harbours or off jetties, suspend a jig or dead bait under a float to keep it in the strike zone. Add a glow stick at night. 
• Patience on hook-up – Don’t strike hard; lift steadily when you feel weight. Squid can drop off if yanked. Keep them in the water     – If you hook one, leave it near the surface for a moment; others often follow, giving you a chance at a double.