Ultimate Eging Australia Guide: Master Squid Fishing with JDM Tackle
If you have fished for squid anywhere in Sydney over the past few years, chances are you have seen anglers wielding long, whippy rods and flicking prawn-shaped lures into the dark water under wharf lights. What you witnessed is eging -- one of the most addictive and effective squid fishing techniques ever developed. Born in Japan and now firmly established across the Australian coast, eging has revolutionised the way we target southern calamari and arrow squid.
At Proshop TST in Eastwood, we have watched eging grow from a niche JDM curiosity into a mainstream obsession. In this complete guide, we will break down everything you need to know to get started with eging, from understanding the gear and technique to choosing the right egi and finding the best spots in Sydney.
What Is Eging?
Eging (pronounced "egg-ing") is the Japanese term for squid fishing using specialised prawn-shaped jigs called egi. The word comes from the Japanese "egi" (a traditional squid jig originally crafted from wood and cloth) and the English suffix "-ing." In Japan, eging is a standalone fishing discipline with its own dedicated rods, reels, lines, jigs, and a massive competitive scene.
Unlike traditional squid fishing in Australia -- where anglers might drop a basic prawn jig under a float and wait -- eging is an active, lure-fishing technique. You cast, work the egi through the water column with a specific rod action, and feel the squid grab on. It is hands-on, visual, and incredibly satisfying when a squid latches onto your egi on the drop.
Why Eging Has Taken Off in Australia
The appeal is simple. Eging is accessible (you can do it from any wharf, rock platform, or jetty), the gear is lightweight and affordable, and the results speak for themselves. A skilled egi angler will consistently outfish someone using traditional methods because the technique covers more water and triggers aggressive strikes from squid.
Southern calamari, the primary target in Sydney waters, are aggressive predators that respond brilliantly to a well-presented egi. They ambush the jig on the fall, wrapping their tentacles around it and holding on -- which is why the technique works so well.
The Shakkuri Technique: The Heart of Eging
The fundamental retrieve in eging is called "shakkuri." If you only learn one thing from this guide, make it this.
How to Perform the Shakkuri
- Cast out and allow the egi to sink to your target depth. Count it down -- most egi sink at roughly 3 to 4 seconds per metre, though this varies by model and size.
- Sharply jerk the rod upward with one to three quick snaps of the rod tip. These should be crisp, wrist-driven movements that make the egi dart upward and to the side, imitating a panicking prawn.
- Immediately drop the rod tip and allow the egi to flutter and sink on controlled slack line. This is the critical phase -- squid almost always strike on the fall.
- Watch your line. If you see the line jump, tighten unexpectedly, or move sideways, a squid is on. Gently take up the slack and apply steady pressure while learning about eging techniques. No hard hooksets -- squid have soft flesh, and you will tear the egi free, a common mistake for those learning about eging.
- Repeat through the entire retrieve back to your feet.
Variations on the Shakkuri
- Single jerk: One sharp upward snap, then sink. Good for pressured squid in clear water.
- Double/triple jerk: Two or three rapid snaps in succession, then sink. The standard approach.
- Slow fall: After jerking, hold the rod tip high to slow the egi's descent. Effective in shallow water.
- Bottom stay: Let the egi sit on the bottom for 5 to 10 seconds between jerk sequences. Big calamari often grab a stationary egi.
Essential Eging Equipment
Eging Rods
A proper eging rod makes an enormous difference. These rods are designed specifically for the shakkuri technique -- they are stiff enough to impart sharp jerk actions to the egi but have a sensitive tip to detect the subtle grab of a squid.
Entry Level:
- Daiwa Emeraldas X ($189) -- Outstanding value for a first eging rod. Light, responsive, and well-balanced. Handles egi sizes 2.0 to 3.5 comfortably. This is the rod we recommend most often to beginners at the shop.
- Shimano Sephia BB ($230) -- Shimano's entry into the eging market. Slightly more refined feel than the Emeraldas X, with excellent sensitivity in the tip section.
Mid Range:
- Shimano Sephia SS ($360) -- Steps up the blank technology with better carbon and lighter weight.
- Graphiteleader Calamaretti ROSSO ($499) -- A serious performance upgrade for committed eggers.
Premium:
- Daiwa Emeraldas Stoist ($1,088) -- The flagship. Features Daiwa's legendary SMT (Super Metal Top) tip for unbelievable sensitivity. When a squid so much as breathes on your egi, you will know about it.
Recommended length: 8'3" to 8'9" (2.51m to 2.67m) covers most situations you will encounter in Sydney.
Reels
A 2500 to 3000 size spinning reel is ideal. You want smooth drag, reasonable line capacity for PE 0.6-0.8, and a weight that balances with your eging rod. Any quality reel in this size range from Shimano or Daiwa will serve you well.
Line Setup
- Mainline: PE braided line in 0.6 to 0.8. This translates to roughly 12 to 16 lb breaking strain. Thin braid gives you better casting distance and allows the egi to sink more naturally.
- Leader: Fluorocarbon, 6 to 8 lb (1.5 to 2.0 in Japanese numbering). Fluorocarbon is nearly invisible underwater, which matters because squid have exceptional eyesight. A leader length of 1 to 1.5 metres is standard.
- Connection: An FG knot is the best braid-to-leader connection for eging. It passes through the guides smoothly and is incredibly strong for its size.
Understanding Egi Sizes
Egi are measured in Japanese "go" sizes. Here is what each size is best suited for:
Size 2.0 (Small)
Best for shallow water, small squid, and finicky conditions. Light weight means a slower sink rate. Great for harbours and wharves where squid are sitting in 1 to 3 metres of water.
Size 2.5 (Versatile)
The "do everything" size. Works in a wide range of depths and conditions. If you are buying your first egi, start here.
Size 3.0 (Standard)
The standard size for most Australian eging situations. Casts well, sinks at a moderate rate, and targets average to good-sized calamari.
Size 3.5 (Deep/Large Squid)
For deeper water (5 to 10 metres), stronger currents, and larger squid. The go-to size when you are fishing rock platforms or deeper wharves with current.
Size 4.0 (Big Calamari)
The heavy hitter. Used when targeting big calamari in deep water or strong current. Not as commonly used in Sydney as 3.0 and 3.5, but deadly when conditions suit.
Egi Colour Selection
Colour selection is one of those topics that can send you down a rabbit hole. Here is a practical approach that works.
Daytime Fishing
- Pink and orange are your bread-and-butter daytime colours. They provide strong contrast and are visible to squid in a range of water clarities. Start with these.
- Red and brown tones work well in slightly murky water or when squid are feeding on darker prey like small cuttlefish.
Night Fishing
- Glow colours (green, blue, pink glow) are essential after dark. Look for egi with strong phosphorescent coatings that charge under torch light.
- UV-reactive colours add another dimension of visibility under moonlight or ambient light.
Clear Water
- Natural prawn patterns and transparent or translucent finishes. When the water is gin-clear, realistic colours outperform bright ones.
The Rule of Thumb
If in doubt, carry a selection and rotate every 10 to 15 casts until you find what the squid want on the day.
Top Egi Brands We Stock
Yamashita Egi OH Live
Our best-selling egi, and for good reason. The Yamashita Egi OH Live features 490 Glow technology -- the body glows at a 490nm wavelength, which is the exact frequency that squid eyes are most sensitive to. The warm jacket feature changes colour based on water temperature, adding another trigger for squid. Available in an enormous range of colours and sizes. Priced from approximately $12.80.
Duel / Yo-Zuri EZ-Q and Aurie Q Series
Excellent value and proven fish catchers. The Duel EZ-Q series features a patented fin stabiliser design that gives the egi a natural swimming action even during the sink phase. The Aurie Q RS is a premium model with outstanding castability. A favourite among budget-conscious eggers who want quality.
Shimano Sephia Clinch
Features Shimano's Flash Boost technology -- tiny internal reflectors that create flashes of light even when the egi is stationary. The integrated weight system also gives it excellent casting distance. A newer player in the egi market but backed by serious engineering.
Daiwa Emeraldas Series
Daiwa's egi range includes options for every situation -- the Emeraldas Dart for aggressive jerking, the Emeraldas Rattle for sound attraction, and the Emeraldas Peak for all-round performance.
Best Eging Spots in Sydney
Botany Bay
The spiritual home of eging in Sydney. The areas around Kurnell, Captain Cook Bridge, and the boat ramp at Sans Souci are all productive. Weed beds and sandy bottom transitions are where calamari lurk.
Clifton Gardens
A classic harbour spot. The wharf and surrounding rock walls hold squid year-round, with autumn and winter being standout seasons. Night sessions under the wharf lights can be extraordinary.
Gunnamatta Bay
Part of the Port Hacking system, Gunnamatta Bay offers sheltered waters with good weed beds. A great spot for families and beginners learning the technique.
Sydney Harbour Wharves
Any lit wharf in Sydney Harbour is worth a shot after dark. Blues Point, Mrs Macquaries Point, Balls Head, and Manly Wharf all produce squid. The artificial light draws baitfish, which in turn attracts hungry calamari.
The Spit Bridge
Fish the run-out tide around the bridge pylons. Squid stack up here as the current funnels baitfish through the narrow channel.
Eging Season in Sydney
The good news is that squid are available in Sydney year-round. The better news is that the season is about to peak. Autumn through winter (April to October) is prime time. Water temperatures cool, squid move into shallower bays to feed and breed, and the larger specimens start showing up.
March is the transition month -- squid numbers are picking up, and if you start putting in sessions now, you will be well-practised by the time the peak hits in May and June.
NSW Regulations for Squid
Squid fishing in NSW is refreshingly simple from a regulatory standpoint. There is no minimum size limit for squid, and the daily bag limit is 15 per person for southern calamari. Always check the current NSW DPI regulations before heading out, as rules can change.
You will need a valid NSW Recreational Fishing Fee (licence), which is available as a 3-day, 1-month, 1-year, or 3-year option from Service NSW or any licensed tackle agent.
Getting Started: Your First Eging Kit
If you walked into Proshop TST today and asked us to set you up from scratch, here is what we would put together:
- Daiwa Emeraldas X eging rod ($189) -- Best value entry rod
- 2500 size spinning reel loaded with PE 0.6 braid
- Fluorocarbon leader in 6-8 lb, 1 metre length
- 3x Yamashita Egi OH Live in size 2.5 and 3.0, in pink, orange, and a natural colour
- 2x Duel EZ-Q in glow colours for night sessions
Total outlay is well under $400 for a complete setup that will have you catching squid this week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a specialised eging rod, or can I use my standard spinning rod?
A: You can catch squid on any rod, but a dedicated eging rod makes a dramatic difference. The stiffer blank is designed for the shakkuri jerk action, and the sensitive tip lets you feel the squid grab. If you are serious about eging, a purpose-built rod is worth the investment.
Q: What is the best time of day for eging in Sydney?
A: Dawn and dusk are consistently the best bite windows. However, night eging under wharf lights can be the most productive session of all. Squid are attracted to light and will stack up under illuminated wharves, making them easier to locate and target.
Q: Can I use the same egi in both fresh and saltwater?
A: Egi are designed for saltwater use. Their sink rates are calibrated for saltwater density. Using them in freshwater would cause them to sink faster than intended. That said, there is no freshwater squid fishery in Australia, so this is a moot point for local anglers.
