Landbased Squid Fishing: Simple, Reliable Fishing Close to Home By Caitlin Berecry

Some of the best fishing is often some of the simplest, and landbased squid fishing is a perfect example. You don’t need a boat, you don’t need a mountain of gear, and you don’t need to travel far. In many places, a local jetty, rock wall or stretch of shoreline is all it takes to get started.

Squid are a fantastic target species for anglers of all experience levels. They’re widely available, relatively easy to catch once you understand the basics, and they reward patience and good technique rather than expensive equipment. Whether you’ve got an hour after work or a free morning on the weekend, a quick squid session is always worth a shot.

And of course, they’re hard to beat on the table, which makes a short session feel even more worthwhile.

Squid are structure-oriented and fairly predictable once you know what to look for. They prefer areas where they can hunt and hide, particularly around weed beds and broken ground.

Good landbased locations include:

        • Jetties and piers

        • Rock walls and breakwalls

        • Harbour edges

        • Shallow bays

        • Areas with visible weed beds

You don’t need remote or untouched locations. In fact, many productive squid spots are close to towns and easy to access. If you can see weed under the water and the conditions are calm enough to fish comfortably, it’s usually worth having a cast.

Squid can be caught at any time of day, but a few conditions definitely improve your chances.

Calm weather is the biggest one. Squid rely heavily on sight, so clearer water and lighter winds generally lead to better fishing. Dawn and dusk are reliable starting points, and night fishing around lights can be particularly productive, as squid are drawn to areas where bait gathers.

Tide movement is also helpful. Water that’s moving - rather than completely still - tends to keep squid active and feeding.

That said, don’t wait for perfect conditions. If the water looks reasonably clear and fishable, it’s always worth giving it a go.

One of the best things about landbased squid fishing is how little gear you actually need.

A longer rod certainly helps with casting distance and keeping your line clear of structure, but there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Your standard 7ft light tackle spin outfit will do the job just fine. Many anglers already have everything they need sitting in the shed.

Pair that rod with a small spin reel and some light line, and you’re ready to go.

The only essential addition is a squid jig, and you don’t need a huge collection. A couple of reliable jigs in different colours or sizes is more than enough to get started. Focus on fishing those well, and add more gear later if you want to.

Squid fishing is less about speed and more about rhythm.

Start by casting your jig out and allowing it to sink towards the bottom. Once it settles, a quick lift or two of the rod tip to make the jig dart upward, then pause and allow it to sink again. Most bites happen during the pause, when the jig is falling naturally through the water.

A slow, steady approach is usually best. There’s no need to rush the retrieve or overwork the lure. Let the jig do what it’s designed to do, and give the squid time to follow and commit.

Patience plays a big role. Squid will often trail a jig for several metres before striking, so smooth, consistent movements make a difference.

Squid fight differently to fish. They don’t run or jump, but they do have a habit of making one last attempt to escape near the surface, usually accompanied by a burst of ink.

Keeping steady pressure on the line and staying calm is the key. If you have a landing net, use it. It makes the process much easier and reduces the chance of losing the squid right at the end.

And yes, expect ink. It’s part of the deal!

Landbased squid fishing is a great reminder that you don’t need complicated setups or big plans to enjoy time on the water. A basic outfit, a local spot and a bit of patience are often all it takes.