Selecting the Right Squidgy for Your Target
Success with Squidgies comes from matching the lure's shape and action to the species you're targeting and the way they are feeding. This guide breaks down the most iconic and effective models for Australian waters.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"Like many Aussie anglers, I grew up watching Starlo and Bushy and learning to fish with Squidgies. They are stocked in my lure trays for chasing everything in the Illawarra estuaries, from bream on Wrigglers to big flathead on the classic paddle tail Squidgy Fish profile.
Their effectiveness is undeniable, and I’ve selected a range to stock at my store of the most proven shapes and colours that I know will consistently produce results for our customers as they have done for myself over the years.
My personal two favourite colours – Silver fox and Bloodworm"
- Ben Czulowski Owner of Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm)
Understanding the Core Squidgy Shapes
- Wrigglers (Curly Tail): The classic all-rounder. The tail vibrates and swims with even the slowest retrieve or on the drop, making it deadly on species like flathead and bream. It's an essential shape that works in almost any situation.
- Fish (Paddle Tail): This shape creates a distinct, thumping tail beat and body roll that attracts predatory fish from a distance. It's the top choice for active fish, covering ground, and targeting aggressive species like flathead, mulloway, snapper, and barramundi.
Expert Tips for Rigging and Retrieving
- Local Knowledge Tip: The S-Factor Advantage. It is worth purchasing a tube of S-Factor, a unique, UV-enhanced fish-attracting scent. This is not a gimmick. Always apply a small amount to your lure before casting; it can be the difference between a bite and a refusal.
- The Classic "Lift and Drop": The most effective retrieve for most species. Cast out, let the lure sink to the bottom, then use a sharp lift of the rod tip (or two quick hops) to make the lure dart off the bottom. Then, allow it to sink back down on a semi-slack line. Most strikes will happen as the lure is sinking.
- Rig it Straight: A soft plastic that is bunched up or crooked on the jighead will spin and have no action. To rig it perfectly, lay the jighead beside the lure, note where the hook should exit, and thread it carefully through the centre of the plastic so it sits straight.
Why Buy from Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm)?
We’ve had Squidgies on our shelves and in our own tackle boxes since we first started business back in the early 2000’s. After two decades of fishing them in our backyard—from the flats of Lake Illawarra to the snags of the Minnamurra River—we know exactly which models and colours get results in our Australian inshore waterways. The range you see here is a direct reflection of that experience; it's a curated list of the proven performers that consistently fool our local Aussie fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best all-round Squidgy for flathead?
A 100mm Squidgy Wriggler or Fish is arguably the most effective and versatile flathead lure ever made. Rigged on a 1/4oz jighead in a bright colour like Gold Glitter for dirty water, or a natural colour like silver fox for clear water, it's a proven fish-catcher.
Do I really need to use the S-Factor scent?
Yes. While Squidgies will catch fish without it, applying S-Factor significantly increases your strike rate. The scent attracts fish and the taste makes them hold on longer, giving you more time to set the hook. It is a crucial part of the Squidgy system.
What colour Squidgy is best for bream in clear water?
In clear water, subtle, natural colours are far more effective for wary bream. Choose translucent patterns like Bloodworm, or Wasabi. These colours closely imitate the small prawns, worms, and crustaceans that make up a bream's natural diet.
How do I rig a Squidgy Wriggler straight on a jighead?
Lay the jighead alongside the plastic to see where the hook point should exit the back. Push the hook point in through the centre of the lure's nose and thread it through the body until the point is aligned with your exit mark, then push it out so the lure sits straight and un-bunched.
Can I use Squidgies for offshore snapper fishing?
Absolutely. Slick Rig Shads are extremely effective on snapper and they are pre-rigged. Work them with a lift-and-drop technique over reefs and broken ground. The paddle tail action is a major trigger for big reds.
