Squid are one of the easiest and best-eating catches in Australian bays. You need a light rod, a few squid jigs and clean water. This guide covers where to look, how to work a jig, and the rules in each state.
Emergency: 000. On the water: VHF Channel 16. On jetties and rocks at night, wear non-slip shoes and carry a torch.
Which squid will I catch?
Most fishos catch calamari (southern calamari) in the southern states and other squid further north. Queensland’s rules treat tiger squid on their own, so check which one you have before you keep it.
Where to find squid
- Weed beds and sand edges. Squid hunt small fish and prawns over weed and along the edge where weed meets sand.
- Jetties and breakwalls. Lights on a jetty at night draw baitfish, and squid follow them.
- Clear water. Squid hunt by sight. After big wind or rain the water goes dirty, so wait for a calm day or two.
- Low light. Dawn, dusk and the first hours of dark are often best.
Gear
- A light spin rod about 7 ft (2.1 m) long and a small reel.
- Braided line with 2 to 3 m of fluorocarbon leader.
- Squid jigs in size 2.5 to 3.5. Natural colours in clear water, brighter colours when it is dull or dirty.
- A bucket or bag for the squid, and a rag. Squid squirt ink.
Best squid gear guides (2026)
Our picks for squid gear. Each guide lets you ask local tackle shops for price and stock through Tackle Connect.
How to work a squid jig
- Cast out and let the jig sink. Count it down so you know how deep it is.
- Give the rod two or three short, sharp lifts, then let the jig sink slowly on a tight line.
- Most squid grab the jig as it sinks. You will feel weight or see the line stop.
- Wind in with steady pressure. Don’t jerk the rod and don’t give slack, or the squid can drop off.
- Lift the squid out with its tail pointing away from you so the ink goes the other way.
Keeping your catch
Only keep what you will eat, and stay inside the bag limit. Put squid straight into an ice slurry to keep them fresh. Clean them away from the jetty edge and take your rubbish home.
Squid rules by state
Rules change. These are copied from each state’s fisheries page on the date shown. Always check the official page before you go.
| State | Size limit | Bag limit |
|---|---|---|
| Queensland | No size limit | 50 squid and cuttlefish (not tiger squid). Tiger squid: 20. Source: Queensland Government, tidal waters size and possession limits (page last updated 25 Sep 2026, checked 24 Oct 2026). |
| New South Wales | No size limit | 20 in total, squid and cuttlefish combined. Source: NSW DPIRD, saltwater bag and size limits (checked 30 Oct 2026). For these species the possession limit is the same as the bag limit. |
| Victoria | Check the Victorian Fisheries Authority size and bag limits. | |
| South Australia | Check PIRSA recreational fishing limits. | |
| Western Australia | Check DPIRD WA recreational fishing rules for your bioregion. | |
| Tasmania | Check Fishing Tasmania bag and possession limits. | |
| Northern Territory | Check NT Government possession limits. | |
Green zones, closed waters and local rules can also apply. Check before you fish.
More from Fishing Australia
Can I Keep It? · Species guide A to Z · Strike Club weekly report
Emergency: 000. On the water: VHF Channel 16.
