Brisbane Squid Fishing Masterclass With Peter Herbst

Introduction to Brisbane Squid Fishing

Fishing for squid around Brisbane is an increasingly popular activity among local anglers. The northern calamari (aka “tiger squid”) is a master of camouflage and a stealthy shallow water hunter. Fishing for them along Moreton Bay’s shorelines is challenging and visually exciting. And when things go to plan the adventure ends with a tasty treat!

Essential Gear for Squid Fishing

It’s not necessary to have dedicated, specialised tackle to target Brisbane’s squid population. If you own a rod that’s perfect for snapper, flathead or bass you can easily use it to fish for squid.

But as Peter notes, dedicated squid tackle takes things to a whole new level and will make it easier to put more squid in the boat or on the bank.

Rods, Reels, Lines and Leaders for Squid Fishing

• Light and Sensitive Rods: Using a light, sensitive rod allows you to feel the slightest movements and bites, which is crucial for squid fishing. Peter recommends rods around 7’6″ in length with a soft tip to detect delicate bites.
• Spinning Reels: A quality spinning reel with a smooth drag system is essential. Sizes 2500 to 3000 are ideal for handling the light lines typically used in squid fishing.
• Line and Leaders: A thin, braided line (around 10-15 lb) is preferred for its sensitivity and minimal stretch, which helps in detecting subtle squid bites. Using a fluorocarbon leader of about 10-15 lb provides abrasion resistance and reduces the visibility of the line in clear water, increasing your chances of a successful catch.
• Squid Jigs: Having a range of squid jigs in different sizes and colours is vital. Squid can be picky, so it’s essential to have options. Peter suggests starting with jigs in the 2.5 to 3.0 size range, with natural and bright colours to suit different conditions.

Where To Start Squid Fishing in Brisbane

Brisbane’s coastline and estuaries are dotted with prime squid fishing spots, ranging from rocky shorelines to Moreton Bay’s extensive weedbeds and man-made structures. Here’s a summary of Peter’s tips:

• Rocky shores: Peters favourite places to fish are the rocky shallows around Moreton bay, which are extensive and easily found by land based and boat anglers alike. Depths from 0-1m are ideal, look for places where the water is clear and there is tidal flow, especially if there is a rocky point. Squid can be on the front or the back side of the point. Be sure to place some casts right up against the bank, they’ll often be in just a few centimetres of water.
• Weedbeds: These can be productive, but are harder to fish because the jig gets fouled by the weed. Once again, flow is important, squid are often in front of or just behind the weedbeds. If you find an isolated patch of weed surrounded by sand or rock it’s worth putting in a few extra casts. 
• Light pools: Often squid will aggregate and hunt around artificial lights from wharves, jetties and other structures during the hours of darkness. At these times the water depth and the presence (or absence) of rock or weed are less important. Lights attract bait, which in turn attract squid. 

Techniques for Squid Fishing

Effective squid fishing involves a combination of the right gear and the correct techniques. It’s worth mixing it up to see what’s working on the day. A slow, steady retrieve with occasional twitches mimics the movement of a prawn or small fishand can be quite effective. However, Peter finds the Japanese egi technique, which involves a series of sharp jerks followed by a pause, to be particularly effective. This makes the jig dart erratically and then sink slowly, mimicking a fleeing prey.

Seasonal Tips

Squid fishing in Brisbane is generally productive year-round, but there are seasonal variations to consider:

• Summer: Warmer months see increased squid activity, especially around weed beds and shallow waters. Early morning and late evening are the best times to fish.
• Winter: During cooler months, squid move to deeper waters. Adjust your techniques accordingly, focusing on deeper channels and using larger jigs to reach the desired depth.