Squid are one of the most useful species an Australian angler can learn to catch. They are excellent on the table and, around Sydney Harbour, fresh or live squid are a proven bait when targeting kingfish. This is the practical method I use to find squid, cover different depths and turn following squid into hookups.
- Look for a mixture of rock, clean sand and kelp, particularly in shallow bays and harbours.
- Fish around illuminated wharves, bridges and marinas where baitfish gather.
- Use a squid jig, or combine a jig with a baited spike rig when drifting.
- Work different depths rather than keeping every jig at the same level.
- Watch the rod tip closely for a slow nod or rhythmic dip, then wind into the weight of the squid before setting the jig.
- Keep a second jig ready: squid commonly follow a hooked squid or rejected jig toward the boat.
Where to catch squid
For my Sydney Harbour approach, the first thing I look for is suitable ground. Squid regularly hold around broken country where rock, sand and kelp meet. I often begin in water roughly one to eight metres deep, but the more important lesson is to identify the edges and patches where squid can hunt rather than simply drifting over featureless bottom.
Lights can also help concentrate the action. Wharves, bridges and marinas with lights over the water often attract small baitfish, which in turn can draw squid into the area. Similar structure and habitat occurs in bays and estuaries around Australia, so the same approach is useful well beyond Sydney Harbour.
A practical Sydney Harbour starting point
Clifton Gardens Wharf, accessed from Morella Road in Mosman, provides public shore access to harbour water. An approximate wharf coordinate is 33°50.394′S, 151°15.222′E (-33.839903, 151.253697). This is an access coordinate, not a guaranteed squid mark. Mosman Council states that the reserve car park gate is locked at 9:30 pm and reopened at 6:00 am, which is important when planning an evening session. Its fishing information also explains the local Sydney Harbour intertidal protections, including that fishing is permitted but collecting bait or intertidal animals is not.
A simple squid jig rig
You do not need to make squid fishing complicated. My boat setup uses light spin outfits and a paternoster-style rig, with the lure above and the weight below. One useful variation is to use a bait spike jig carrying a pilchard as the lower weight, while fishing a conventional squid jig above it.
My practical setup
- A light spin rod and reel, such as our 802 light combo.
- Approximately 6 kg colour-change braid.
- Squid jigs pre-rigged on short 20 lb fluorocarbon leaders for quick changes.
- Conventional squid jig above a baited spike jig when using the two-part rig.
- A separate single-jig outfit ready for following squid.
The advantage of pre-rigging several jigs is speed. If the squid ignore one size or colour, you can change quickly without tying a fresh leader while the school is underneath the boat.
What size and colour squid jig should you use?
A 2.5 or 3.0 size squid jig is a versatile starting point for Sydney bays and harbours. Smaller 2.0 to 2.5 jigs can suit shallow water, timid squid and small bait, while 3.0 to 3.5 jigs are useful when you need extra casting distance or a faster sink in deeper water and stronger current. Jig size does not guarantee a particular sink rate, so check the manufacturer's information and use the lightest jig that still reaches the working depth.
Natural baitfish colours are a good starting choice in clear water and daylight. Pink, orange, chartreuse or glow patterns can be easier for squid to locate in dirty water, low light or at night. Carry a few contrasting colours because changing the appearance or sink rate is often enough to interest squid that follow without striking.
How to catch squid from a wharf or shoreline
Cast across the edge of kelp, reef or a patch of light and allow the jig to sink without letting it bury into the bottom. Give it two or three controlled lifts, then pause and let it sink again. Watch the line during the pause because a squid may take the jig as it falls, causing the line to twitch, stop early or move sideways.
When weight comes onto the rod, keep the pressure smooth and steady. Avoid hard strikes and aggressive rod pumping because squid are often held by the tentacles and can tear free. A landing net is especially useful from a high wharf or whenever the squid is only lightly hooked.
How to fish for squid while drifting
When I know the depth, I spread the jigs through the water column. If I am fishing two outfits in ten metres of water, for example, I might set one around eight metres and the other around six. Colour-change braid makes it easy to repeat those depths accurately.
When the outfits are drifting rather than being constantly retrieved, keep the rods closer to horizontal and watch the tips. A squid can take a bait and move with it without producing the sort of obvious strike you would expect from a fish. A slow nodding or rhythmic dipping of the rod tip is the signal to pay attention. Wind until the rod loads, then set the jig with controlled pressure.
If a squid follows another squid or a jig right to the boat without taking it, drop the ready-rigged backup jig straight back. Changing the colour, size or presentation can turn that follower into another hookup while the squid are still nearby.
Landing squid without wearing the ink
Use a landing net where practical and give the squid a moment to discharge ink outside the boat before bringing it aboard. It reduces lost squid at the gunwale and can save a substantial clean-up afterwards.
If you are keeping squid for bait, move them promptly to your bait tank or prepare them for storage. Fresh squid can be used whole or rigged for larger predators such as kingfish.
Look after your squid jigs
Squid jigs are awkward to store because their crown hooks tangle easily and the cloth bodies stay wet. My solution is simple: keep each pre-rigged jig in its own compartment, put used jigs aside rather than straight back into the tackle box, then wash and dry them properly after the trip. Letting the jigs dry completely before closing the box helps keep the hooks and fabric in better condition.
Current NSW squid rules
NSW currently has no minimum legal length for squid or cuttlefish, with a combined daily bag limit of 20 per person. Anglers aged 18 and over generally need to pay the NSW recreational fishing fee and carry proof unless an exemption applies. Check the current NSW saltwater limits, fishing closures and local access rules before each trip.
Squid fishing questions
What is the best place to catch squid?
Start around broken ground with a mixture of rock, sand and kelp. In bays and harbours, illuminated wharves, bridges and marinas can also be productive because the lights concentrate baitfish.
What rig do you use to catch squid?
A standard squid jig on a light spin outfit is enough to get started. When drifting, I also use a paternoster arrangement with a squid jig above and a baited spike jig below, plus short pre-rigged fluorocarbon leaders for fast changes.
What size squid jig is best for Sydney Harbour?
A 2.5 or 3.0 jig is a versatile starting point. Try a smaller jig in very shallow water or when squid are feeding on tiny bait, and a larger or faster-sinking jig when you need to reach deeper water or fish stronger current.
How do you know when a squid has taken the jig?
When drifting, the take may be subtle. Watch for a slow nod or rhythmic dip of the rod tip rather than waiting for a hard strike. Wind into the weight of the squid before applying enough pressure to set the jig.
Can you use squid as bait?
Yes. Fresh and live squid are excellent bait for many larger saltwater species and have long been a favourite for targeting yellowtail kingfish in Sydney Harbour.
Read the full Boat Mag feature
I first wrote about this method in Kings of the Harbour - Part 1. The complete magazine feature includes the full story, photographs and original rigging discussion.
View the complete article PDF