Species
Southern Calamari
Sepioteuthis australis
Also known as southern reef squid
Tier 2Eating10/10ultralight tackleNSWVICSAWATAS
1 waypoint~15–30 cm typical
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Range & spots
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Overview: about southern calamari
The classic southern Australian squid found over weed and reef flats from southern QLD around to WA. Targeted with squid jigs cast from boats, jetties and rock walls in clear, weedy water. Top-shelf table fish and a premier livebait for snapper, mulloway and kingfish.
Biology: Southern Calamari size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Estuary, Inshore, Reef
- Typical size
- 15–30 cm (max 60 cm)
- Weight
- 0.3–1.5 kg (max 4 kg)
- Depth range
- 0–70 m
- Diet
- small fish, crustaceans
- Most active
- cathemeral
- Global range
- Southern Australia and NZ (Sepioteuthis australis)
How to target: Southern Calamari angling strategies
Generally fished with ultralight tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- squid jigs (size 2.5-3.5) cast over seagrass flats and twitched back to the boat
- split-shotted squid jigs under a float at jetty lights at night
- slow trolling jigs behind a dinghy in 3-8m over weed
- dropping unweighted jigs through bait schools at dusk
Best season: when to catch southern calamari in Australia
No seasonal pattern for southern calamari yet. Seasons shift with water temperature and local conditions — check state fisheries advice and recent local reports before planning a trip.
Where to catch: southern calamari fishing spots in Australia
One mapped fishing location for southern calamari across Australia, covering land-based fishing and rock fishing. Each location below links through to access notes and coordinates.