After months of trying I've finally had the luck of landing my first few squids with jigs.
Here's what I've learn't
- Let the jig sink depending on the depth of water, I like it to be around a metre from the bottom so I can cover a large portion of the water column - I usually wait maybe 30 seconds with a 2.5 jig in around 10m or less of water.
- Use a flick technique like two flicks, a slow retrieve and let it sink again. - the aim is to imitate that quick erratic flick movement of a prawn
- Smaller jigs work well (if not better in my opinion) than the bigger ones. - Recently I've landed some 30cm size hoods with a small 2.5 jig.
- Bright Pink and White with Orange jigs seem to work best in my (limited) experience.
- When you hook up, keep the rod tip pointed up and don't allow any slack.
- If you need to lift it up a jetty or rock ledge try to do it in one movement to avoid the squid falling off. If it bounces there's a chance the hooks will fall out as they aren't barbed.
- Avoid the beak and the ink
Like I've said I've only just started to catch them after months of trial, error and lack of interest due to discouragement. Just keep at it and you'll be enjoying some fresh salt and pepper squid in no time