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Arrow Squid / Southern Calamari Fishing — Newcastle & Lake Macquarie Guide

Peak season right now

Excellent eating. Target weed beds and lit areas at night. Arrow squid vs Calamari: Both caught here. Arrow have longer "wings". Both excellent eating - salt & pepper squid, calamari rings, or BBQ tubes. Clean by removing head, guts, and clear cartilage inside tube.

Sight Hunter: Hunt purely by sight - AVOID squid fishing after rain, wait for clear water
Best Spot Right Now
Best spot for Arrow Squid / Southern Calamari right now:Swansea ChannelSheltered from SSW windView spot guide →
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Where to Catch Arrow Squid / Southern Calamari

Newcastle

Lake Macquarie

Tackle & Setup

Rod & Reel

Rod 7-8ft light-medium spin, 2-4kg, moderate/parabolic action
Reel 2000-2500 size spin reel
Mainline 6-10lb braid (PE 0.6-0.8)
Why Parabolic (softer) rod action prevents tearing jig from squid's soft tentacles.

Leader

Material Fluorocarbon
Strength 6-10lb (3-5kg)
Length 1-1.5m
Why Invisible to squid in clear water. They have excellent eyesight.

Jig Recommendations

Name Colour Size Note
Yamashita Egi Sutte-R NIY (Natural) 1.8-2.5 BCF stocks this. Skeleton glow body, fine hooks.
Shimano Sephia Flash Boost 10 exclusive colours 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 BCF stocks. Internal rattle + flash boost.
Daiwa Emeraldas Various 2.5-3.5 Popular range from BCF. New Amorous jointed design.
Yo-Zuri Aurie-Q Orange, Natural 2.5-3.0 Excellent sink rate and action.

Jig Size Guide

Guide 2.0-2.5 (calm, shallow, small squid), 3.0 (standard), 3.5 (deep, windy, big squid)
Sink Rate Shallow type = slow sink for weedy areas. Deep type = fast sink for current.
Tip Start with 3.0 natural colour and adjust based on conditions.

How to Catch Arrow Squid / Southern Calamari

Basic Squid Jig Setup

  1. Tie jig directly to leader with small loop knot (allows free movement)
  2. No swivel needed - direct connection is best
  3. Loop knot: Make small loop in leader, pass through jig eye, wrap tag 5x around loop, pull tight
  4. Alternatively use a small snap for quick jig changes

Technique

Basic
Cast over weed beds or toward structure, let jig sink (count to 10-15), then sharp upward jerk-jerk-pause. Let it sink again. Repeat. Squid grab on the sink.
Advanced
Work the light/shadow edge at night under wharf lights. Cast into darkness, work jig back through the lit zone. Squid ambush from shadows.
Retrieve
Jerk-jerk-pause. Two sharp rod lifts, then let jig flutter down 3-4 seconds. Most hits on the drop.
Presentation
Keep rod tip high after jerks - watch line for sideways movement (squid grabbing). Don't strike - just maintain pressure.

When to Fish

Best Dawn first light, dusk last light, night under lights
Tide Slack water or light current best - squid struggle in heavy flow
Clarity Clear water essential. Avoid after heavy rain.
Moon Dark nights with no moon = better night fishing

Pro Tips

  • Polarised sunglasses help spot squid during day - look for ink clouds (they've already jetted)
  • Night: Fish under wharf lights - Belmont Wharf is famous for this
  • No light = charge glow jig every 10 casts with torch or phone
  • Steady pressure when hooked - no sudden jerks or you'll tear tentacles
  • Ink spray is inevitable - wear dark clothes!
  • Keep catch in bucket with small amount of sea water, not directly on ice

Best Time to Fish

Best Time of Day
Dawn (5-8am), Dusk (4-7pm), Night
Best Tide
High tide
Peak Season
December, January, February, March, April, September, October, November

Size & Bag Limits

None
Min Size
20
Bag Limit
NSW DPI full regulations →

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I catch Arrow Squid / Southern Calamari in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie?

The best spots for Arrow Squid / Southern Calamari include Lee Wharf, Swansea Channel, Belmont Wharf, Wangi Wangi Point (Weed Beds). Peak season runs December to November. At Lee Wharf: Year-round, peak Oct-Apr. Key spots: Belmont Wharf (night), Wangi Wangi weed beds, Swansea Channel (dawn/dusk), Pelican Foreshore jetty.

What is the best time to catch Arrow Squid / Southern Calamari?

Arrow Squid / Southern Calamari fish best at Dawn (5-8am) and Dusk (4-7pm) and Night. Best tide: High tide. Peak season: December, January, February, March, April, September, October, November.

What bait and lures work best for Arrow Squid / Southern Calamari?

Top lures: Yamashita Egi Sutte-R, Shimano Sephia Flash Boost, Daiwa Emeraldas. Use a 7-8ft light-medium spin, 2-4kg, moderate/parabolic action.

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