Calamari / Squid / Cuttlefish Fishing
Covers southern calamari, arrow squid, broad squid, and cuttlefish. Jigged at night under lights in bays and estuaries across southern Australia; found over reef and sand flats in warmer months. Exceptional eating and the ultimate all-purpose bait.
Best Months
Year-round
Best Time
After dark is peak — twilight through to midnight
Tide
Outgoing to low tide in estuaries concentrates squid over seagrass flats
How to Catch Calamari / Squid / Cuttlefish
Outgoing to low tide in estuaries concentrates squid over seagrass flats. Any tide works offshore when current is present to activate the jig
After dark is peak — twilight through to midnight. Squid congregate under lights at jetties and harbour walls. Overcast days improve daytime results dramatically
Clear to slightly murky water 14–22°C. Look for sandy or seagrass bottom in 2–15m depth. Drops sharply in very cold or very warm water
Jetty pylons, bridge legs, seagrass flats, rock walls, harbour walls, reef edges — anywhere with structure, current, and bait. Pontoons under lights at night are a top target
Cast EGI (squid jig) and let it sink to bottom; 2–3 fast cranks then let it flutter back down on a tight line. Vary sink time to find the depth. Squid self-hook on the pause — don't jerk
Pink and orange EGIs at night under lights; natural prawn colours and blue/green in daylight. Use a fluorocarbon leader minimum 10lb — squid are leader-shy in clear water. Watch the line for a sideways twitch on the sink
Best Regions by Month
Seasonal ratings across all Australian regions. Click a region to see the full calendar.
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Working metal jigs up and down in the water column over reefs or structure.