Hey mate,
I have also experienced this at Clifton Gardens.
I noticed that the squid there are generally a great size for live bait but nothing else.
They are just too small for the larger jigs we throw at them.. even the 1.8's just seem to large for them.
The squid around Clifton are very timid unlike those which are at Watsons.. they strike at anything!
Your best bet would to keep trying and maybe even invest in a can of Egimax from either the site sponsors or from your local tackle shop.
Good luck!