How to catch squid in estuaries — plus easy cooking tips

There’s something special about chasing squid in an estuary. It’s relaxed, visual, hands-on fishing that suits everyone — from kids having their first go with a squid jig to seasoned boaters chasing bait or a fresh seafood lunch.

And unlike some species that demand patience and persistence, squid can turn on suddenly. One moment you’re drifting across a quiet weed bed; the next, you’re into a run of three or four in quick succession.

Part of the magic is that squid are both delicious and sustainable. They live fast, grow quickly and reproduce in huge numbers, completing their entire life cycle in just over a year. That means taking a couple for dinner doesn’t place pressure on stocks the way it can with slow-growing fish. Add their mix of curiosity and aggression — traits that make them highly responsive to good technique — and it’s easy to see why squidding has become a summer staple across Australian estuaries.

Squid aren’t random wanderers; they gravitate to areas that provide food and shelter. In most estuaries, that means seagrass beds, ribbon weed, scattered kelp patches, rocky edges, and the broken ground where sand meets vegetation. These zones are rich in prawns and baitfish and offer plenty of camouflage.

Clear water is crucial, as squid rely heavily on sight. Look for areas where you can see the bottom clearly, or at least make out the contrast between dark weed and pale sand. This light-and-shade mix is prime territory. On a rising tide, squid often move onto weed flats to feed; on the turn of the tide, they sit along drop-offs and channels, waiting for bait to funnel past.

You’ll improve your chances by watching for tell-tale signs: baitfish flickering on the surface, shadowy shapes over weed, or the long, cigar-like silhouette of a squid following your jig. Popular squid estuaries such as Lake Macquarie, Pittwater, Jervis Bay, Mandurah and the Derwent all share the same recipe — clean water, healthy weed beds and gentle tidal movement.

Squid can appear at any hour, but certain conditions help enormously. Clear water almost always improves the bite. Overcast weather can be excellent, as squid focus more on movement than colour. Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light, making it easier to spot squid tracking your jig.

A light breeze is your friend. It creates a natural drift that moves the boat slowly across productive ground without disturbing the area. Drifting also helps identify where squid are concentrated — if you catch one, chances are you’ve passed through a pocket of activity and should repeat the line.

Rising tides push bait onto weed beds, while the start of the run-out can also fire squid up. Movement is key; slack water often slows the bite dramatically.

One of the great things about squidding is how little gear you need. A 2–4kg spin rod around seven feet long is ideal, paired with a 2500-size reel spooled with 6–10lb braid. A light fluorocarbon leader (8–12lb) helps give the jig a natural presentation while offering abrasion resistance around weed and rock.

Squid jigs — or egi — come in a range of sizes and colours. For estuaries, size 2.0–2.5 jigs are usually spot-on. Natural prawn patterns excel in clear water, while bright oranges, pinks or greens can stand out in darker conditions or lightly stained water.

Weighted jigs sink faster and are useful when drifting quickly or fishing deeper channels. In very shallow water, slow-sink jigs stay above the weed and look more lifelike.

The heartbeat of squid fishing is jig action. Cast ahead of your drift, let the jig sink, then bring it to life. Many squid respond to sharp, energetic lifts that dart the jig off the bottom before it flutters back down — a perfect imitation of a startled prawn.

At other times, squid prefer subtle movements. They may follow a jig for metres before committing. The key is experimentation. If you’re not getting a reaction, change the lift height, tempo or jig colour.

Often, you’ll see the squid before you feel them — ghosting behind the lure, changing colour or reaching out with tentative tentacles. When they latch on, the take feels soft, more like added weight than a strike. Rather than striking, lift steadily and let the barbs do the work.

Every squid angler eventually wears ink — it’s a rite of passage — but a little care goes a long way. As the squid nears the boat, keep it just below the surface so it can expel ink into the water. Once it’s done, lift it aboard gently, keeping it pointed away from you and the crew.

Placing squid straight into an ice slurry improves eating quality and firms the flesh, while also preventing inky surprises in the boat.

While anchoring can work in small pockets, drifting is the preferred method for most squid fishers. It keeps presentations natural, helps cover ground and reduces spooking. When you hook one squid, land it quickly — there are often others following.

Mark productive drifts on your sounder and repeat them. Rotate jig colours occasionally to keep squid interested. Once you crack the pattern — depth, drift speed and jig action — the session can build quickly.

Cleaning squid is straightforward and gets easier with practice. Pull the head away from the tube, remove the clear quill, trim the wings and rinse the cavity. You can peel the skin for a clean white look, though it’s optional. Slice the tubes into rings or strips depending on your plan.

Fresh squid benefits from simple cooking. High heat is essential — cook it too slowly and it turns rubbery. A hot pan, olive oil, salt and pepper, and 60–90 seconds is all it needs. Once the pieces curl, they’re ready.

Squid pairs beautifully with bright, fresh flavours. A simple shoreline meal might include sliced squid, an Asian slaw mix, crisp greens and a squeeze of lime.

Ingredients:
Fresh squid, olive oil, salt, pepper, mixed greens or slaw, lime, and optional extras such as garlic, chilli, sesame oil or coriander.

Method:
Clean and slice the squid into thin strips. Heat a pan until smoking, then flash-cook the squid with oil and seasoning until just curled. Toss the greens with lime and any extras, then mix through the warm squid. Eat immediately — ideally overlooking the water where it was caught.

Few styles of fishing are this inclusive. Squid are visual hunters, so kids love spotting them and watching their colour changes. The technique encourages experimentation while remaining beginner-friendly. And because squid often arrive in groups, a quiet morning can suddenly become action-packed.

They’re also among the most sustainable seafood options available. Taking one or two for dinner is both responsible and rewarding.

Squid fishing captures the essence of summer: simple gear, calm mornings, clear water, good company and fresh food. Whether you’re drifting a weed bed at sunrise or cooking squid in a sheltered bay, the experience feels unmistakably Australian.

Grab a few jigs, pack a small pan and cooker, find a patch of healthy weed and give it a crack this summer. With a little patience and the right drift, you might discover one of the most enjoyable — and tastiest — ways to spend a day on the water.