How to Catch Southern Calamari: Complete Guide to Techniques, Gear, and Locations

Species Profile

Quick Identification

Southern calamari (Sepioteuthis australis) is one of the most iconic cephalopods along Australia’s southern and eastern coasts. Commonly referred to as the southern reef squid, this species is instantly identifiable by its streamlined, torpedo-shaped mantle and the broad, diamond-like fins that extend almost the full length of its body. With eight powerful arms and two longer feeding tentacles lined with rings of suckers and sharp hooks, it is a highly efficient predator in reef and seagrass habitats.

In their natural environment, southern calamari display a striking semi-transparent gray-green coloration, perfectly adapted for camouflage and survival. Once removed from the water, however, their skin undergoes a dramatic transformation, shifting to a uniform orange-brown tone. Most adults grow to a mantle length of 30–38 cm and can weigh up to 1 kg, though some exceptional specimens grow even larger. A key distinguishing feature is the bright cream-white streak at the base of their wide fins, which gives them a distinctive circular profile when viewed from above.

One of the most remarkable traits of southern calamari is their dynamic ability to change color. In life, they may appear translucent or pale, but when stressed or threatened they can flash rusty reds, mottled browns, or bold banded patterns. This instant camouflage not only helps them evade predators but also allows for complex communication between individuals. After death, their vibrant display fades into a deep reddish-brown, a final reminder of the extraordinary adaptability that makes southern calamari a fascinating species for both divers and anglers.

Why Target This Species

Southern calamari are an outstanding target species for anglers of all skill levels, making them especially appealing in the beginner-to-intermediate difficulty range. As highly aggressive feeders, they strike jigs and baits with eagerness and speed, delivering consistent action and excitement on light tackle without requiring advanced techniques. For many recreational fishers, this makes them a perfect introduction to cephalopod angling.

From a sporting perspective, southern calamari offer a surprisingly spirited fight for their size. When hooked, they are known to thrash violently and unleash powerful jet-pulls, testing both reflexes and finesse. Larger specimens often require anglers to let them run briefly, allowing the squid to tire before a careful landing. This combination of challenge and reward makes them a favorite pursuit among coastal fishers.

Beyond the thrill of the catch, southern calamari hold exceptional culinary value. They are considered premium table fare, with delicately mild, tender flesh that shines when cooked correctly. Whether quickly seared, flash-fried, or grilled, their meat remains soft, flavorful, and highly versatile in the kitchen. Their popularity in seafood cuisine has only strengthened their reputation as a top-tier catch.

Equally important, southern calamari are a sustainable and reliable fishery. This species is both abundant and fast-growing, with a natural life cycle of about one year, ensuring stable populations under responsible management. The prime season to target them is during the cooler months—late autumn through winter and into spring— when large schools congregate in shallow bays to spawn. For anglers, this seasonal gathering represents the peak opportunity to experience the very best of southern calamari fishing.

Behavior and Feeding

Hunting Pattern

As ambush predators, Southern calamari lurk near structures like weed beds, reef edges, and jetties, darting out to seize prey with incredible speed. They rely on stealth and camouflage, often remaining perfectly still over open sand before striking. Their activity peaks during nocturnal or crepuscular periods, feeding most actively at dawn, dusk, and throughout the night, which is why land-based anglers often find the most success around twilight. While they can be caught in daylight, clear water and a high tide improve the odds. Socially, they are often solitary or found in small, loose groups of up to a dozen, as large, dense schools are rare. When a calamari strikes, it tends to envelop the jig with its tentacles rather than bolting away immediately. Anglers often report seeing visible follows or feeling tentative tugs before a solid hook-up, noting that quick, upward twitches of the jig are highly effective at triggering their predatory response.

Primary Diet

Where and When to Find Them

Key Habitat

Southern calamari inhabit sheltered, inshore waters that provide good cover. Their typical habitats include shallow coastal bays, estuaries, and gulf entrances, particularly over seagrass beds, sandflats, and rocky reefs. As benthopelagic creatures, they usually stay near the bottom in depths of 1–10 meters, with most catches occurring in the 2–5 meter range. The key is to find areas where clean, relatively still water meets structure. They are often found hugging the edges of cover, especially at the "blueline"—the interface between seagrass and sand. Man-made structures like jetties, piers, and groynes are also prime locations. Their geographic range is extensive, covering the entire southern half of Australia from Southern Queensland around to Exmouth in Western Australia, including Tasmania.

Fishing Calendar and Conditions

The peak season for calamari runs from late autumn through spring (approximately May to November), when cooler water temperatures bring them into shallow, inshore areas to spawn. While they can be caught year-round, their numbers are highest during these cooler months. Tides have a significant influence on their activity; a mid to high tide is often best, as the incoming water pushes baitfish and prawns into the coves, increasing squid activity and improving water clarity.

The most productive time of day is typically twilight (dawn and dusk), when they feed aggressively in low light. For the best results, look for calm to moderate weather and clear water, as squid are visual hunters. Avoid fishing after heavy rain or in murky, turbulent conditions.

Gear and Techniques

Recommended Setup

A simple, light-tackle rig is most effective for Southern calamari. The ideal setup starts with a 7–8 ft light-to-medium “egi” (squid) rod with a fast, sensitive tip for detecting subtle takes and absorbing their pulsing runs. Pair this with a 2500–3000 size spinning reel spooled with 10–15 lb braided line for excellent casting and bite detection. Finish the rig with a 1-1.5 meter leader of 10–15 lb fluorocarbon, which is nearly invisible underwater and provides abrasion resistance. This outfit is light enough to feel every strike yet strong enough to handle a large, powerful squid. For land-based fishing, a longer rod of 9–12 ft can provide better casting distance over rocks and other obstacles.

Effective Lures and Baits

The most essential lures are cloth-wrapped squid jigs, or "egi," in sizes 2.5 to 3.5. Proven colors include UV-white, pearl, and natural shrimp patterns, while all-black jigs are excellent for creating a silhouette in low light.

For natural bait, a whole pilchard or fresh prawn rigged on a multi-prong squid spike and suspended under a float is a classic and highly effective method. This "bobber and bait" rig is particularly useful in snaggy areas where jigs would foul.

Fishing Techniques

The preferred method from a boat is to drift over promising ground, such as weed beds or reef edges. Cast your jig ahead of the boat, let it sink to the bottom, and then impart a series of 2-6 sharp, upward "whips" of the rod to make the jig dart like a fleeing prawn. It is crucial to let the jig fall back to the bottom on a slack line after each series of jerks, as calamari will almost always strike the lure on the drop. From land, focus on casting around structures like jetty piles and weed edges, using a similar retrieve. In either scenario, remember to vary your jig colors and sizes throughout the session and keep moving to cover more water until you find where the squid are holding.

Catch and Handling

During the Fight and Landing

For Consumption

If keeping your catch, dispatch it humanely with a sharp blow to the head or by using the "iki-jime" method. This improves meat quality by preventing stress and the release of ink into the flesh. Gut the squid promptly and rinse the body cavity with clean saltwater. For the best texture, immediately place the cleaned calamari into an ice slurry (a mix of ice and seawater) for 10–15 minutes to chill it rapidly. This firms the flesh and preserves its quality. Store it on ice in a cooler, and for the best taste, consume it within a day or two.