Back To Basics - Calamari

Southern Calamari may well be a year round fishery in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port, but even when they are in abundance some anglers still find catching them a challenge.

Why is calamari so hard to catch? What are the secrets? What am I doing wrong? These are just some questions that go unanswered. In this Back to Basics feature, I will try to unravel some of the mysteries surrounding calamari that may give you a better chance on your next squidding adventure.

WHERE TO FIND THEM

Calamari love to hide and stalk their prey. Weed beds, reef structures and piers all attract baitfish, crabs or other morsels worth devouring if you’re a calamari. With this in mind, practically every inshore reef, pier or jetty and weed bed harbour plenty of calamari. During some months, these weird and wonderful critters are so plentiful they can be in there tens of thousands.

Calamari live for approximately 12 months, during that time they are programmed to eat, breed and then die, not much of a life really.

When searching for likely areas, pay attention to local fishing reports. Once you hear they are on the go then head to and fish the same locations. Alternatively working shallow weed beds in 2-5m of water or rocky headlands are likely locations to find calamari.