Choosing the Right Squid Jig

Selecting the perfect squid jig can make all the difference in your squidding success. Let's dive into the fun and essential details you need to know.

Understanding Squid Jigs

Squid jigs, also known as egi, are specially designed lures that mimic the movement and appearance of squid prey, such as small fish or shrimp. These lures come in various colours, sizes and styles, each suited for different conditions and squid preferences.

Colours and Patterns

Squid are attracted to different colours and patterns depending on the water conditions and time of day. Here are some tips to help you choose the right colour:

  • Bright Colours (Pink, Orange, Red): Ideal for clear water and sunny conditions.
  • Dark Colours (Brown, Purple, Black): Best for murky water and low-light conditions.
  • Natural Colours (Green, Blue, Silver): Perfect for mimicking the natural prey in any water condition.

Sizes and Weights

The size and weight of your squid jig are crucial for ensuring it sinks at the right speed and mimics the natural movement of prey. Common sizes range from 1.5 to 3.5, with larger sizes being heavier and sinking faster. Choose a size based on the depth you’re fishing and the squid species you're targeting.

  • Small Jigs (1.5 - 1.8): Use in shallow waters and when targeting smaller squid.
  • Medium Jigs (2.2 - 2.5): Versatile and suitable for most conditions.
  • Large Jigs (3.0 - 3.5): Best for deep waters and larger squid.

Types of Squid Jigs

  • Deep Jigs: These jigs sink quickly and are great for deep-water fishing.
  • Basic Jigs: Designed to stay at a certain depth, ideal for mid-water fishing.
  • Shallow Jigs: Perfect for shallow waters and surface fishing.

Our Top Picks

At Squidink, we offer a variety of high-quality squid jigs tailored to different conditions and preferences. Here are our top recommendations:

  • For Beginners: We recommend the Yamashita Egi Sutte-R and R&B Squid Jig ranges for their high quality and great value.
  • For Serious Anglers: The Yamashita Egi Oh Search Neon Bright, Yamashita Egi Oh Live and Yamashita Naory Range Hunter squid jig ranges are highly recommended.

These feature a patented thermo-storage cloth called the Warm Jacket. This cloth reacts to light (sunlight or artificial light) and maintains its temperature longer than traditional cloths. With the ability to hold heat similar to natural fish, these jigs are more successful in attracting squid interest as squid can recognise temperature variations when hunting prey. The new material, 'Tactywarm,' is woven with a unique thread that changes light into heat, making the jigs 0.5 to 1 degree Celsius warmer in the water, depending on conditions.

 Check out our squid jigs for more details.

Pro Tips for Using Squid Jigs

  1. Match the Hatch: Try to match the color and size of your jig to the local prey that squid feed on.
  2. Vary Your Retrieve: Experiment with different retrieval speeds and jerking motions to see what attracts the most squid.
  3. Use Scented Jigs: Adding scent to your jig can make it more appealing to squid. Our EGI Scent is perfect for this.

Recommended Gear

So, you’ve chosen the right squid jig. Now, make sure you have the following essentials for the best squidding experience:

  • Rod and Reel: A light to medium action rod paired with a 1000-3000 reel, using 8-14lb braid and leader. Check out our braid and leader.
  • Squidink Rigs: Our custom-made rigs come in three sizes: triple, double and single paternoster rigs, perfect for all conditions. Explore our Squidink Rigs.
  • Squid Jig Wallet: Keep your jigs organised with a handy jig wallet. These squid jig storage solutions can hold up to 20 jigs!

We hope this guide helps you choose the perfect squid jig and enhance your squidding adventure. For more detailed information, check out our other resources and product recommendations on our website. Happy squidding!