How To Use A UV Light For Squid Fishing

Night is one of the best times to catch squid, and a UV light is one of the cheapest upgrades you can make to your kit. Here's what UV and glow actually mean on a squid jig, and how to get the most out of them.

Glow Vs UV: What's The Difference?

The two terms get mixed up, but they work differently.

  • Glow (luminous) bodies absorb light and then give it off in the dark. Charge a glow jig with a strong light and it will glow for a while before slowly fading.
  • UV bodies (also called keimura) react instantly to ultraviolet light. They can't be charged like a glow jig, but they light up whenever UV light hits them, including the UV in daylight.

Many jigs combine both. Ranges such as the Yamashita Egi Oh Live include glow, UV and Neon Bright options, so it pays to know which you're fishing.

How To Charge A Glow Squid Jig

  1. Hold the jig close to your UV light or torch for a few seconds, turning it so the whole body is lit.
  2. Cast straight away while the glow is at its strongest.
  3. Recharge every few casts. The glow fades over time, and a freshly charged jig stands out far more.

A rechargeable UV light box makes this quick and hands free: drop the jig in, charge it and cast. Ours has 27 LEDs at 392nm and runs for 8 to 16 hours on a charge, so it'll last a whole session. A handheld UV torch or mini UV torch also works well and fits in your pocket.

When To Use Glow And UV Jigs

  • Night: a charged glow jig gives squid something to find in the dark.
  • Dawn and dusk: UV and glow jigs both stand out in low light.
  • Dirty or deep water: UV jigs help your jig get noticed where light is limited.
  • Clear water and bright sun: switch to natural colours if the squid seem wary.

Bring The Squid To You With An Underwater Light

An underwater squid light works alongside your UV setup. Green light attracts baitfish at night, and squid follow them in to feed. Our 1200 lumen 12V and USB underwater squid lights are fully submersible with 360 degree light. Only run them underwater, as they can overheat out of the water.

Quick Tips

  • Never shine a UV light into your own or anyone else's eyes.
  • Pack a headlamp so your hands are free. A motion sensor headlamp turns on with a wave of your hand.
  • Carry a mix of glow, UV and natural jigs, and rotate until you find what's working on the night.

Shop UV lights, torches and more in our squidding accessories.

Always check your state's fishing rules, including bag and size limits, before you head out.

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