What is the best squid jig or jig colour?

One of the most-asked question in the sport.

Just know that a squid jig brand is BS-ing you if they say that their jigs are the best, suitable for all conditions, guaranteed to catch loads of squid, yada yada yada… Quite often these are followed up with bag-out photos that are usually achieved offshore on boat or kayak.

Land-based anglers get disappointed by these as eging from shore realistically nets you a lower probability of catching anything. You depend on the squid/fish to come in for you to catch them. Often if you are not catching anything, it either mean that the squid simply aren’t there or the pier is too crowded.

Truth is, the $1 jig from Temu, Aliexpress or Kmart will probably work! That is if the squid are hungry enough and there are no other options as these jigs often do not fall “correctly”. Another factor to consider is that squid jigs, like everything else, are made to a price point. What this means is that the manufacturer have to select inferior materials to achieve a profit at such a low price-point. While the jigs may work, they usually do not last. Still, these are great to test the waters with - pun intended!

Below are some of the considerations in choosing the perfect jig:

  • The jig’s fall

    • The time where you let the jig fall is usually when the squid strikes.

    • Cheap unbalanced jigs will not fall correctly.

    • If you are working in shallow waters, you want a slow falling jig to maximise your ability to induce the squid in such a short water column.

    • If you are working in deep waters, you want a fast falling jig to cover as much ground as possible.

  • The colour

    • Squid are colour-blind. What you are going for is the colour that can enhance the tones for the squid’s sight to entice it.

    • As a general rule of thumb, light colours in the day and dark colours in the night or low-light conditions. The light colours will highlight the jig under the sunlight, whilst the dark colour will form an obvious silhouette in low-light conditions.

  • UV

    • Squid are able to see UV light. Jigs with UV treatment or “Keimura” enhances its ability to stand out under the sun. I have personally found this to be highly effective.

  • Glow

    • In low-light conditions, a glow jig stands out. However, this is very controversial as some feel that minor glowing accents if sufficient, while others may feel that a full-glowing squid jig is ideal.

  • Rattle

    • Great for attracting the attention of squid during difficult sessions. Its effectiveness is debatable as squid primarily hunt by sight. Although, research has found a 600Hz rattle to be effective at drawing their attention.

If you are unsure which jig to use, ask people on the pier. But make sure you take a look at their jig as you want to see one that has bite marks on it, which proves that they have really been working. Overall, an effective jig is one that falls correctly, is durable and most importantly one that gives you confidence to use it repeatedly.