A Practical Guide to Buying the Right Squid Jig & Gear
Eging (squid fishing with jigs) is a game of details. The right size, sink rate, and colour are critical for getting a response from cautious squid. This guide will help you make the right choice from our extensive range of squid fishing tackle.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"We are passionate squid anglers. Our team has spent countless hours on the water, myself included, from the calamari grounds of Bass Point to the squid hotspots at Black Head Gerroa, testing and refining techniques. The squid jigs we sell are the ones myself and my staff team personally use and trust for their build quality, consistent action, and effective colour patterns. My personal favourites are Yamashita in the natural yakka, mullet or prawn patterns."
- Ben Czulowski & The Team at Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm)
A Guide to Your Squidding Arsenal
Success on the water often means having the right gear for the conditions. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of squid-catching gear we stock:
- Egi-Style Squid Jigs: This is the classic, modern squid lure. Designed to be cast and retrieved with an erratic darting action, these jigs come in a huge range of sizes, colours, and sink rates to match any condition. They are the go-to for active, lure-casting anglers.
- Baited Squid Spikes: The traditional and incredibly effective method, especially from jetties and boats. A baited squid spike allows you to present a whole baitfish, like a pilchard or yakka, creating a natural scent trail that is irresistible to calamari.
- Essential Accessories: To maximise your success, consider adding specialised squid scents to your jigs, and keep them perfectly organised and protected in a dedicated jig case.
Choosing the Right Colour & Size
For egi-style jigs, matching the size and colour to the conditions is critical:
- Daytime / Clear Water: Natural patterns are key. Jigs that imitate pilchards, whiting, and prawns in silver, green, and brown are highly effective.
- Overcast / Low Light: Jigs with a strong silhouette or a flash of colour work best. Oranges, pinks, and jigs with a gold or rainbow foil under the cloth are excellent choices.
- Night / Deep Water: Glow-in-the-dark (lumo) and UV-enhanced jigs are essential. Charge a lumo jig with a torch to make it stand out. A solid black or dark purple jig can also create a strong silhouette against the night sky.
- Sizing: Use smaller sizes (2.5) for shallow water, the all-round size 3.0 for most situations, and larger sizes (3.5+) for deep water or strong currents.
Top Squid Jig Brands We Stock
We stock a huge range of jigs from the world's best manufacturers. Our best-selling and most trusted brand is Yamashita, a Japanese company renowned for their innovative technology like "Warm Jacket" cloth and superior actions. We also carry a wide selection from other leading brands too like Daiwa and Shimano.
Why Buy from Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm)?
With a business history dating back to 2001 and our online store operating since 2005, our expertise is built on a deep passion for Australian sportfishing. We meticulously select our range of Squid Jigs based on what we know works. We focus on jigs with proven actions, effective colours, and high-quality, sharp prongs that are essential for a solid hook-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best all-round size squid jig to start with?
A size 3.0 squid jig is the most versatile and effective starting point for Australian conditions. It offers good casting distance and a sink rate suitable for the most common land-based and boat-based depths of 5-15 metres, making it a reliable all-rounder.
What colour jig is best for night-time squidding?
A full-glow (lumo) white or pink jig is a top choice for night squidding, especially after being charged with a headlamp. Alternatively, a solid black jig can be highly effective as it creates a distinct silhouette that squid can easily track against the surface light.
How do I stop my squid jigs from getting snagged?
To reduce snagging, choose a jig with a slower sink rate ('Shallow' type) when fishing over weedy ground. Also, pay close attention to your line after you whip the jig upwards. As soon as the line stops sinking, the jig has hit the bottom, and you should whip it up again immediately.
Do I need a special rod for squid fishing?
While not essential for a beginner, a specialised "egi" rod will significantly improve your results. They have a soft, parabolic action designed to impart the perfect darting motion to the jig and a sensitive tip to detect subtle bites. They also prevent pulling the hooks from a squid's soft tentacles.
What is "Warm Jacket" technology on a squid jig?
"Warm Jacket" is a patented technology from Yamashita that makes the jig's cloth retain heat for slightly longer than its surroundings. Squid are highly sensitive to temperature differences, and this technology can make the jig feel more like a natural, living baitfish, encouraging them to hold on longer.
