Squid

Introduction

Squid, or better known in the cuisine world as Calamari, has multiple purposes, in as much it is an excellent bait for a variety of fish such as KG Whiting, Mulloway, Sweep, Snapper, Snook and Small Shark, and would have to be considered as one of the prime seafoods available for consumption. Though it may be high on the cholesterol scale, Squid can be fried, stewed, barbecued or baked, with delicious results.

Squid's obvious and major form of defense, and offense, is its ability to camouflage itself and blend in naturally within its surroundings, almost making itself invisible. But, Squid are basically stupid. If they fall off the bait or prawn jig, they will usually stay within the area and provide another chance to be caught. Squid also like light at night time, so a well lit jetty is an added bonus.

When handling caught squid, be wary of the ink that the squid will squirt out. Hold the squid firmly behind its head, point it away from you, and wait for it to deplete its ink sack. Many a time have I been "inked" by a mate showing me a freshly caught squid. They were told to point it away, but by then it was too late ! Remember Wardong Island Steve (Coho) !

Keep two things in mind when catching and cooking Squid, reel a jigged Squid in slowly, otherwise the drag created by the squid in the water could in fact rip the squid off your jig, and secondly, when cooking squid, they do not need to be cooked very long. We're talking 50 seconds over an extremely hot plate. Over cooking squid will result in the meat becoming tough and rubbery.

Legal Minimum Length

Current Limit:

No Restrictions

[Previous:

No Restrictions]

Bag Limit

Current Bag Limit:	15 per person	[Previous:	15 per person]
Current Boat Limit:	45 per boat	[Previous:	45 per boat]

 Please Note: The above limits apply to Combined Squid & Cuttlefish catch limits.

Type of Tackle

Considering that the average size of squid ranges from 250 to 500 grams, line strength does not play an important role in catching squid. Hand lines or a simple, small boat or jetty rod is sufficient, with line 2-7 kilo strain.

Hook Selection

The traditional squid jig consists of a multi-barbed hook at the end of a long wire shank. This is then inserted into the bait fish, from the rectum thru to its mouth, and the main line attached. Nowadays, imitation prawn style jigs are the norm, and their success rate in attracting and catching the squid is extremely high. They come in several colours, fluorescent green, pink and orange, and in various sizes. Jigs in the medium to small range are the best, and the colour doesn't seem critical, but some fisherman swear by one colour used during certain weather conditions.

Baits Used

King George Whiting, Mullet, Tommies or small Salmon Trout are preferred, but just about any bait fish large enough to suit the Traditional Jig will do. No bait is required for an imitation Prawn Jig, as this in essence, a form of lure ! Pilchards are also well loved by squid, but due to their softness and tendency to fall apart when on a traditional jig, are not suitable.

Berley Mix

You don't usually require Berley, but I have seen multiple squid during the day attracted off a jetty , feasting on my Garfish Berley Mix.

Rigs Used

Rig No. 1
This rig works well if you wish to cast and relax while fishing for squid. It is also ideal for night squidding, it is extremely visible off a lit jetty. Keep in mind though, that if you are using a large and buoyant float, a strike may not show you a true indication of a squid pulling on your jig and float under the water, as the pull required from the squid will need to be greater than that required in comparison to using a smaller float.

The actual strike of squid can be determined by your float going below the surface of the water. In comparison to a fish strike, it is relatively slow, but still pronounced by the disappearance of the float. If your trace from the float to jig is to long, and you are fishing in an area that has a weedy bottom, the disappearing float could indicate that your jig is in fact snagging on weeds. So keep the length of your trace in mind.

Rig No. 2
This is the simplest of squid rigs. Just simply attach a jig to your snap-on swivel that's attached to your main line, and you are ready. Cast and retrieve the lure, and while retrieving, make occasional strike actions with your rod to imitate a bait scantily swimming in short bursts in the water. One thing to contend with while using this rig, is to watch out your jig does not inadvertently hit the bottom and snag weeds. This is difficult to determine at night time where you have no perception of depth of the water. After several casts, you eventually get the feel and judge the timing of the lure sinking in the water, just right.