Overview
Calamari hold over seagrass and broken reef, ambushing small fish and prawns from the cover of the weed.
Egi jigs imitate a wounded prawn; the sharp double-whip and long pause is the retrieve that consistently produces.
They are also the premium live bait for mulloway and kingfish, which makes a squid session a productive start to any day on the water.
Where to find them
- ▸Seagrass beds in 2–8 m of clear water.
- ▸Jetties and wharves with lights after dark.
- ▸Bay reef edges and weed margins.
Tackle
- ▸Rod: 7'–8' 2–4 kg egi rod with a 2500 reel.
- ▸Line: 8–10 lb braid with 10–15 lb fluorocarbon leader.
- ▸Jigs: size 2.5–3.5 egi in natural tones for clear water, brighter tones in low light.
Tips from the water
- ▸Two sharp whips, then a long pause — the take almost always comes on the drop.
- ▸Point the squid away from the boat before lifting it aboard to avoid an ink bath.
Regulations
Bag limits apply; some seagrass areas are protected — check local rules.