05-05-2011, 02:19 PM
Because there is very little reef structure around queenscliff pier the squid will tend to move around quite a bit. Best technique in my experience by far is walking the pier with one rod and working the pier systematically. Don't overlook the very first light on the bridge at high tide in the evening. You may only be fishing in 0.5M to 1.0M of water but the squid are there. Cast and retrieve far from this spot at all angles (use smaller jigs at this time of year). I bagged out 2 times at this spot in summer from limited opportunities. Next major spot is the light before the shed (but this spot is always taken first. After the shed the water gets a little deeper and casting and retrieving from the shed, lower platform and the end of the pier generally yields good results when not packed.
At this time of year the squid are a little more sparse, so use small jigs, let them sink, work them violently. When you get one you will usually get a few more and then you have to move around the peir to locate them again.
In the next few months, I will tend to do some morning session there on calm sunny days. Fishing from about 5am through to 10am. Most of the crowds have left by then and the squid are still lurking around the reef and weed beds. in sunlight conditions, I will tend to use green and blue jigs to match the water colour or more dull colours on overcast days. Always go with smaller jigs when you can. It pays to take a couple of mates with you so that you can systematically work the pier and more easily locate the schools. I do a lot of these morning session mid-late winter / early spring.
The other benefit is that queenscliff has some of the greatest sunrises in the world!
[quote name='nala' timestamp='1302077353' post='21889']
Hey Colossal_Squid,
I have been out a few times not to Queenscliff though. Flinders and Sorento Pier a few weeks ago. Got about 15 between 3 of us at Sorento and 3 big ones at Flinders later that day. just got a Kayak and have been thinking about taking a look around the Queenscliff Pier now that it is closed (is it still closed?). Any tips on the good areas to focus on at Queenscliff pier? I don't want your super secret spot or technique of course, just a couple of tips for that location for a fellow squidder. <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' />
Cheers,
nala
[/quote]
At this time of year the squid are a little more sparse, so use small jigs, let them sink, work them violently. When you get one you will usually get a few more and then you have to move around the peir to locate them again.
In the next few months, I will tend to do some morning session there on calm sunny days. Fishing from about 5am through to 10am. Most of the crowds have left by then and the squid are still lurking around the reef and weed beds. in sunlight conditions, I will tend to use green and blue jigs to match the water colour or more dull colours on overcast days. Always go with smaller jigs when you can. It pays to take a couple of mates with you so that you can systematically work the pier and more easily locate the schools. I do a lot of these morning session mid-late winter / early spring.
The other benefit is that queenscliff has some of the greatest sunrises in the world!
[quote name='nala' timestamp='1302077353' post='21889']
Hey Colossal_Squid,
I have been out a few times not to Queenscliff though. Flinders and Sorento Pier a few weeks ago. Got about 15 between 3 of us at Sorento and 3 big ones at Flinders later that day. just got a Kayak and have been thinking about taking a look around the Queenscliff Pier now that it is closed (is it still closed?). Any tips on the good areas to focus on at Queenscliff pier? I don't want your super secret spot or technique of course, just a couple of tips for that location for a fellow squidder. <img src='http://www.squidfish.net/forums/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='
' />Cheers,
nala
[/quote]