Squidfish Forums

Hi,



I am new to squidding and to date only fish for squid for bait. Next Tuesday I am participating in a works fishing competition on Botany Bay. We have 10 boats competing and I am keen to pick up live bait first thing that morning to give my guys the best chance of picking up some good fish (I have purchased some of Richard's Yo-Zuri jigs so we are well armed!). I was planning to go to Yowie Bay where I believe you can catch both squid and yellowtail but after reading recent posts I am now wondering if I should'nt head to the bridge at La Perouse. Can you tell me if squidding from a boat at the bridge is a viable option? Are there kelp beds or do you just fish around the bridge itself (I haven't seen the bridge yet)? Is it a productive spot during daylight?



Also, for those who use squid for bait, does anyone have any tips on keeping squid alive for any length of time, or maximising their "freshness"?



Thanks for your help guys.



Colin

[quote name='colin' post='8471' date='Apr 21 2007, 10:46 AM']Hi,



I am new to squidding and to date only fish for squid for bait. Next Tuesday I am participating in a works fishing competition on Botany Bay. We have 10 boats competing and I am keen to pick up live bait first thing that morning to give my guys the best chance of picking up some good fish (I have purchased some of Richard's Yo-Zuri jigs so we are well armed!). I was planning to go to Yowie Bay where I believe you can catch both squid and yellowtail but after reading recent posts I am now wondering if I should'nt head to the bridge at La Perouse. Can you tell me if squidding from a boat at the bridge is a viable option? Are there kelp beds or do you just fish around the bridge itself (I haven't seen the bridge yet)? Is it a productive spot during daylight?



Also, for those who use squid for bait, does anyone have any tips on keeping squid alive for any length of time, or maximising their "freshness"?



Thanks for your help guys.



Colin[/quote]





Hi Colin,



Yup, you can certainly do boat fishing around the bridge! There are a few good patches of kelp bed there so squids are there. just stick around Bare Island, especially the inside of it where the water is calmer. The bridge is a little foot bridge and its behind a headland so its easy not to see it. I think there could be more squids then ever because the bridge is under construction, so not many land-based people (like me) there. Dont think you can catch many yellowtails there through. I think size 2.5 would probably be the most effective there, but i have caught squids there on jigs from 1.8 to 3.5. I only go in the afternoon/sunset, but i guess early morning should be good too.

You can also try Congwong bay which is just east of La perouse -- lots of cuttlefishes there (big ones, you can sometimes see them washed up on the Congwong beach!) Be sure to use a little stronger lines or you might loss your jigs <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

Good luck and tell us about it later! <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thumbsup2.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':thumbsup2:' />



Cheers,

Richard

Btw, around the rocks at the west side of bridge, could be many bait-size squids there! <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':thumbsup2:' />

[quote name='Nautilusly' post='8477' date='Apr 21 2007, 10:47 PM']Btw, around the rocks at the west side of bridge, could be many bait-size squids there! <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':thumbsup2:' />[/quote]





Thanks Richard,



I'll give them a try although it may not happen on Tuesday now as the weather forecast is not that good and they may cancel. I'll be praying to the weather gods tomorrow!!

[quote name='colin' post='8493' date='Apr 22 2007, 07:46 PM']Thanks Richard,



I'll give them a try although it may not happen on Tuesday now as the weather forecast is not that good and they may cancel. I'll be praying to the weather gods tomorrow!![/quote]





Unfortunately the weather forecast for Tuesday was terrible ( rain, more rain and twenty knot winds) so we cancelled the comp.



I switched my leave day and went out on my own on Thursday. The guy at the tackle shop warned me that he had spent 3 hours squidding on Wednesday but did no good because the water was very dirty following all the rain. As I headed out the wind (which was not forecast) blew up and the Bay got very choppy. I went to Bare island and anchored up near the bridge. The water was still very dirty and with the chop it was like being in a washing machine. I persevered for an hour and all I got was an octopus, but it sure looked like a very squiddy place and I will definitely give it another go when the water clears up. I didn't try elsewhere around the island as the water clarity would have been the same and even more choppy out in the open.



Thanks for the tips though Richard, I'll let you know how I go next time.

Colin ,when I began squidding I used to use far too big jigs.To start with use the smallest jigs you can find .Use a bright colour (red /orange/pink) so that you can SEE the jig in the water.This is a big help because until you have some experience you will sometimes find the squid hard to see.Work the jig as slowly as you can without letting it sink right into the seaweed (that's why a bright colour helps) and if you see the jig going away from you wind the line in and keep tension on it....DO NOT STRIKE or lift the rod sharpley .Most times the squid will hook themselves GOOD LUCK <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thumbsup2.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':moped:' /> And keep trying

[quote name='kingyfisher' post='8556' date='Apr 29 2007, 01:11 PM']Colin ,when I began squidding I used to use far too big jigs.To start with use the smallest jigs you can find .Use a bright colour (red /orange/pink) so that you can SEE the jig in the water.This is a big help because until you have some experience you will sometimes find the squid hard to see.Work the jig as slowly as you can without letting it sink right into the seaweed (that's why a bright colour helps) and if you see the jig going away from you wind the line in and keep tension on it....DO NOT STRIKE or lift the rod sharpley .Most times the squid will hook themselves GOOD LUCK <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thumbsup2.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':thumbsup2:' /> And keep trying[/quote]





Thanks Kingyfisher. I hope t get out this weekend, probably on middle harbour and I will give your tips a go. With any luck I'll report success with squid and eat Kingfish on the weekend.

[quote name='colin' post='8617' date='May 3 2007, 08:33 PM']Thanks Kingyfisher. I hope t get out this weekend, probably on middle harbour and I will give your tips a go. With any luck I'll report success with squid and eat Kingfish on the weekend.[/quote]





Hi colin,



Weather looks pretty favourable for squiding atm. you will get some squids in your next trip <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

Hi all.



Finally got out a couple of weeks ago on middle harbour. The weather was pefect, sea absolutely flat. We got one squid early (used a small pink jig - thanks for the tip) and when moving to another spot came across a school of yellowtail. We caught some yellowtail and then headed out through the heads to try our luck on Kingfish. Found a nice drop off and anchored up. Did no good so decided to move only to find the anchor wedged. Had to cut it off.



In the end we caught no fish, but we did get a squid and probably would have caught more if we had continued targetting them, so the ice is broken - and it was a perfect day on the water.

hi colin, sorry to hear about the lost anchor.



well done catching the squid!



cheers, glen <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/xyxthumbs.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':beer' />

[quote name='colin' post='8471' date='Apr 21 2007, 10:46 AM']Hi,



I am new to squidding and to date only fish for squid for bait. Next Tuesday I am participating in a works fishing competition on Botany Bay. We have 10 boats competing and I am keen to pick up live bait first thing that morning to give my guys the best chance of picking up some good fish (I have purchased some of Richard's Yo-Zuri jigs so we are well armed!). I was planning to go to Yowie Bay where I believe you can catch both squid and yellowtail but after reading recent posts I am now wondering if I should'nt head to the bridge at La Perouse. Can you tell me if squidding from a boat at the bridge is a viable option? Are there kelp beds or do you just fish around the bridge itself (I haven't seen the bridge yet)? Is it a productive spot during daylight?



Also, for those who use squid for bait, does anyone have any tips on keeping squid alive for any length of time, or maximising their "freshness"?



Thanks for your help guys.



Colin[/quote]



The bridge at lapa is firing, easy to get to.. someone has been nice enough to cut a sizeable hole in the temporary construction fencing at each end, so you need not climb the timber railing and walk the ledge, which you can do anyway.Also the cuttlefish are gathering there if anybody wants them, their about the 3kg mark so definetly use heavier line or bye bye favourite jig!!

Around the boat shed cafe there are heaps of kelp beds try there also for calamari, not so easy but results are great.

good luck all.

cheers

[quote name='obsession sessions' post='9226' date='Jul 31 2007, 02:18 PM']The bridge at lapa is firing, easy to get to.. someone has been nice enough to cut a sizeable hole in the temporary construction fencing at each end, so you need not climb the timber railing and walk the ledge, which you can do anyway.Also the cuttlefish are gathering there if anybody wants them, their about the 3kg mark so definetly use heavier line or bye bye favourite jig!!

Around the boat shed cafe there are heaps of kelp beds try there also for calamari, not so easy but results are great.

good luck all.

cheers[/quote]





Good to know that! I will try to pack my jigs this weekend and give it a go <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> Cheers for the report! <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thumbsup2.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':unsure:' />

I was there on the bridge from 5 to 7 this afternoon. Weather was good and tide was pretty high too. A little windy, but cant complaint. Tried jigs from size 1.8 to 4.0, only managed 1 squid on a size 3 jig, not firing for me yet <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/zorro.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> Btw, i couldnt see the hole on the fence? Where about is it? or it may had been fixed already? <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/unsure.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':unsure:' />

[quote name='Nautilusly' post='9257' date='Aug 8 2007, 10:07 PM']I was there on the bridge from 5 to 7 this afternoon. Weather was good and tide was pretty high too. A little windy, but cant complaint. Tried jigs from size 1.8 to 4.0, only managed 1 squid on a size 3 jig, not firing for me yet <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/zorro.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':zorro:' /> Btw, i couldnt see the hole on the fence? Where about is it? or it may had been fixed already? <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/unsure.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':thumbsup2:' />[/quote]





nautilusly:

1 is better than none, which is what i got when i went to the container wall through the week, although the tide was just starting to run up, not 1 follow. RE:the hole in the fence.. as u walk down the bituman pathway the first panel of temporary chain wire fencing perpendicular to the pathway had the right hand side of it cut (the tie wire) from its supporting framework.. i havent been there this week.. maybe they have mended it <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mad.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':zorro:' /> ..grrrrrrr..(pliers required)lol... <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rolleyes.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

ill check it out.. <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/moped.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':zorro:' />

tried lilli pilli in port hacking on wednesday night tide was dead low, a little movement and about 16 arrow squid between my fellow squider and myself, took a couple of hours though.. ran out of glowmax spray early and things really slowed down...

cheers till next time.. <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thumbsup2.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':unsure:' />

hey all

squiding in august around bare island and la perouse in general has been very quiet. Its around the time of what i call the change over period, where the larger southern clamari go out to deeper pastures and the smaller southerns and arrows start to move in. Have been several times through august best night was 4 southerns although this took about 3 hours to achieve, dismall! some night ive spent a couple of hours for just 1 or 2 clamari.

On a brighter note port hacking is producing better results if you are chasing arrows, places such as gymea baths and wallys wharf i have found to be the pick.I believe that this month september the calamari and arrows will be in much better numbers where ever you are chasing them.

Good luck and Happy squiding!! <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thumbsup2.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':th' />

thanks for the report! it should start hotting up down here soon (hopefully) <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':th' />

Hi guys,



Port Hacking is looking pretty good. Jigged for about 15 mins last week and caught about 3 in quick succession, but pretty quiet after sunset. Here's a pic of the two I took home. Nothing to write home about, as mentioned in a previous post, looks like mainly arrows, but enough for a plate of salt & pepper squid <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rolleyes.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':th' /> .

[attachment=1130]



Caught on some weird fatter version of the Yo-zuri that my brother got straight from Japan. And was land-based. Speaking of which, can anyone recommend a good place to get a boat in Sydney? Thanks in advance...

[quote name='jason' post='9331' date='Sep 5 2007, 01:18 AM']Hi guys,



Port Hacking is looking pretty good. Jigged for about 15 mins last week and caught about 3 in quick succession, but pretty quiet after sunset. Here's a pic of the two I took home. Nothing to write home about, as mentioned in a previous post, looks like mainly arrows, but enough for a plate of salt & pepper squid <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rolleyes.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> .





Caught on some weird fatter version of the Yo-zuri that my brother got straight from Japan. And was land-based. Speaking of which, can anyone recommend a good place to get a boat in Sydney? Thanks in advance...[/quote]

Hi Jason ,if you are looking to rent Rose Bay & Watsons Bay boat hire have both closed! The only one now open is I think Roseville Boatshed on the west side of Roseville Br. I too have been getting some nice jigs straight from Japan.At the moment my favorites are the imitation baitfish style eg.pilchard,yellowtail patterns.Have just come back from up in Qld. (hervey bay area) the fishing was quiet so the Tuna were not happening,but did get some northern calamari.Gee they are a pretty squid.Was told that the local gun spot up there is an Island off the mouth of the Mooloolaba river.The most popular jigs are size 7 !!!! HUGE but then so are the squid (2-4kgs) !!! <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thumbsup2.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':th' /> <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thumbsup2.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':thumbsup2:' /> <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/thumbsup2.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':thumbsup2:' />

Hey kingyfisher,



Thanks for the reply, sorry I should have been clearer, I was actually looking to purchase a boat.. preferably just a tinny and something that a Corolla can tow <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':th' /> Any recommendations..??

[quote name='jason' post='9338' date='Sep 7 2007, 01:33 AM']Hey kingyfisher,



Thanks for the reply, sorry I should have been clearer, I was actually looking to purchase a boat.. preferably just a tinny and something that a Corolla can tow <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':th' /> Any recommendations..??[/quote]





Hi Jason,



Have you tried to look on ebay? Ive seen people selling tinny on ebay for around $500 before, might be alright if its close enough for you to pick up <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':thumbsup2:' />

And what's that fat yo-zuri jigs you mentioned? I am curious -- are they the AORA jigs (which can fit a lightstick) ?



Good luck with your boat hunt!





Cheers,

Richard