Eging Fishing: Complete Guide for Squid and Cuttlefish

Eging Fishing — Complete Guide

Do you want to get into cephalopod fishing at sea and learn how to catch cuttlefish, squid, and calamari using dedicated artificial lures? Then this guide is for you.
Eging is a Japanese fishing technique that’s becoming increasingly popular along our coasts, combining lightness, sensitivity, and a touch of showmanship thanks to the use of squid jigs, also called egi.

In this article, you’ll find a complete and structured overview to help you start off on the right foot or refine your experience:

• what eging is and its basic principles;
• which equipment to use (the most suitable rod, reel, lines, and leaders);
• how to choose the right weights and egi models based on depth and conditions;
• the most effective rigs and knots;
• animation techniques to make your jigs irresistible;
• the species you can target and the best seasons;
• pros and cons of this technique;
• practical tips on weather, moon phases, tides, and environments to maximize your catches.

Whether you’re a curious beginner or an experienced angler looking to improve, this guide will offer insights and strategies to help you enjoy eging with greater awareness and success.

What is Eging

Eging is a modern and fascinating fishing technique that originated in Japan and is now widely practiced along European and Italian coasts. It was developed to specifically target cephalopods particularly squid, cuttlefish, and sometimes calamari using artificial lures called egi or squid jigs.

These lures are designed to realistically imitate the movements of small shrimp or fish, the natural prey of squid and cuttlefish. Their effectiveness depends not only on their appearance but above all on their ability to be animated with specific movements that trigger the predatory instinct of cephalopods.

What makes eging so popular is its immediacy and visual appeal: light equipment, subtle yet thrilling strikes, and a direct connection with the catch. It’s a technical yet accessible discipline that allows you to experience fishing in a dynamic and engaging way, whether from shore or by boat.

Equipment: The Foundation for Starting (and Improving)

To practice Eging successfully, it’s not enough to just cast a squid jig into the water you need a well-balanced setup, specifically designed to ensure sensitivity, precision, and comfort. Let’s take a detailed look at each essential component.

🎣 Rod

Choosing the right rod is the first step toward practicing Eging with satisfaction. It’s the tool that puts you in direct contact with the lure and allows you to feel the often imperceptible bites of cephalopods.

Ideal length: ranges between 2.10 m and 2.70 m. A longer rod is perfect for fishing from the shore or rocky areas, where you need to cast farther and control the lure over wide surfaces of water. Shorter versions, on the other hand, are practical and easy to handle on a boat, where casting distance matters less but precision and comfort are key.

Build characteristics: Eging rods are light, well-balanced, and designed with a fast or tip action. This structure makes them highly sensitive to the slightest movement of the egi and capable of faithfully transmitting vibrations and

🌀 Reel

The reel is the heart of your Eging setup, as it must provide smoothness, strength, and reliability in every phase from casting to retrieval, all the way to the fight with the cephalopod.

Recommended size: the most commonly used sizes are 2500–4000, to be matched with the rod’s length and power. A 2500 reel is perfect for those seeking lightness and compactness ideal for short boat rods or long fishing sessions. A 3000–4000 offers greater braid capacity and sturdiness, suitable for deeper spots or larger specimens.

Key features:

• Lightweight design, to keep the rod balanced and reduce fatigue during repeated casts.
• Smooth, progressive drag, essential for managing squid runs without tearing their tentacles.
• Saltwater-resistant materials, protecting the internal gears and bearings from marine corrosion.
• Medium gear ratio (around 5.0–5.3:1): extreme speed isn’t necessary what matters is a steady retrieve that maintains control over the lure and allows you to detect even the slightest touches.

💡 Why it matters: a well-balanced, reliable reel not only makes fishing more enjoyable but also reduces line breaks, tangles, and stress on the braid increasing the overall efficiency of your entire setup.

 

🧵 Line / Braided Mainline

The mainline is often underestimated, but in Eging it plays a crucial role. Choosing the right braid can make the difference between feeling a delicate bite and missing an opportunity.

Why use PE braid: in Eging, PE (Polyethylene braided line) is almost always used — an extremely thin, non-elastic line with exceptional sensitivity. This allows you to detect even the lightest “nips” from cephalopods and to transmit the movements of the egi with precision.

Recommended diameters: the most common sizes range between PE 0.4 and PE 0.8, equivalent to #0.6 or #1 in Japanese classifications. These diameters offer the ideal balance between strength, lightness, and manageability.

Advantages of a thin line:

• Longer and more accurate casts, thanks to reduced friction on the guides.
• Greater sensitivity, allowing even the slightest vibrations to be felt.
• More natural sinking of the squid jig, essential when squid are wary or in calm water conditions.

💡 Practical tip: always choose a high-quality braid specifically designed for saltwater use and treated for abrasion and corrosion resistance. A good line maintains consistent strength over time and reduces the risk of sudden breaks.

🔗 Leader (Tippet)

The leader is the connection between the braided mainline and the squid jig a seemingly simple but essential component in Eging. Its role is twofold: to make the line less visible to cephalopods and to protect the mainline from abrasions and friction.

Recommended material: the most commonly used is fluorocarbon, thanks to its underwater transparency, abrasion resistance, and stiffness that helps reduce tangles. Alternatively, high-quality nylon can be used more affordable and slightly more elastic, useful for cushioning runs.

Ideal length: from 1 to 3 meters, depending on water clarity and the structure of the fishing spot. In crystal-clear waters, it’s better to lengthen it, while in areas with obstacles or mixed bottoms, shortening it helps improve lure control.

Recommended breaking strength: between 6 and 12 lb (≈ 2.7–5.4 kg). The choice depends on several factors:

• 6–8 lb: for clear waters and medium-to-small cephalopods.
• 10–12 lb: when fishing around rocks, submerged structures, or for larger specimens.

📊 Useful conversions:
6 lb ≈ 2.72 kg
7 lb ≈ 3.18 kg
8 lb ≈ 3.63 kg
10 lb ≈ 4.54 kg
12 lb ≈ 5.44 kg

💡 Expert tip: replace your leader regularly, especially after snags or catches, since even invisible micro-abrasions can compromise its strength during a hookset.

 

🦑 Squid Jigs (EGI) — Sizes, Weights, and Sinking Speed

Squid jigs, also known as egi, are the heart of Eging: artificial lures designed to imitate small shrimp or fish the natural prey of squid and cuttlefish. Their effectiveness depends not only on appearance but also on size, weight, and sinking speed.

📏 Most Common Sizes and Weights

Each size (from 2.5 to 4.0) corresponds to a standard length and weight:

• 2.5 → 70–75 mm ≈ ~11 g → ideal for shallow waters, calm conditions, and wary cephalopods.
• 3.0 → 90 mm ≈ ~16 g → a well-balanced, versatile size perfect for most situations.
• 3.5 → 100–105 mm ≈ ~22 g → recommended for medium depths or light currents.
• 4.0 → 105–120 mm ≈ ~26 g → best suited for very deep spots, rough seas, or targeting large squid.

⏱️ Sink Rate (Sinking Speed)

In addition to size, each egi features a sinking rate, expressed in seconds per meter:

• Shallow / Super-Shallow → slow sinking, ideal for shallow bottoms, seagrass beds, or snaggy areas.
• Normal → standard sinking, suitable for most fishing conditions.
• Deep / Fast → fast sinking, perfect for quickly reaching the bottom in deep waters or strong currents.

🎨 Colors and Coatings

• Natural tones (brown, green, blue): best for clear waters and daytime fishing.
• Bright and fluorescent (pink, orange, red): ideal in murky water or low visibility.
• Glow and UV (Keimura): very effective at night or in deep water, thanks to their fluorescence that attracts cephalopods.

💡 Practical tip: always carry at least 3–4 egi of different sizes and sink rates, combining natural colors with brighter ones. This way, you can quickly adapt to changes in light, depth, and cephalopod behavior.

 

🧰 Essential Accessories

In addition to the rod, reel, and squid jigs, there are key accessories that make Eging fishing more comfortable, safe, and effective. Choosing them carefully can make a real difference, especially during long sessions or in challenging conditions.

Landing net with telescopic handle: essential for retrieving squid and cuttlefish without stressing or damaging them. A telescopic model allows you to adjust the length depending on your fishing spot from rocky shores to boat fishing.

Pliers and cutters: fundamental tools for handling hooks, replacing leaders, or freeing the egi from snags. Durable pliers and sharp cutters reduce the risk of damaging the line or injuring your hand.

Squid jig tackle box: organizing your lures by size, color, and sink rate speeds up lure changes during fishing and keeps your jigs in perfect condition, avoiding tangles or damage.

Small, strong snaps or swivels: useful for quickly changing egi without having to retie the knot each time. It’s important to choose thin, high-quality models so as not to alter the natural action of the lure. However, many experienced anglers prefer tying the lure directly to preserve the egi’s freedom of movement and maximize its attractiveness.

💡 Practical tip: keeping all these accessories well-organized not only simplifies your fishing but also reduces stress on your gear and increases your chances of success in any condition.

🎣 Rigs and Knots (Classic Leader Setup)

The rig is fundamental in Eging, as it determines how the egi moves in the water and how sensitively it transmits the cephalopod’s touches. A properly constructed leader can make the difference between a successful catch and a missed opportunity.

🔹 Classic Setup

The most common configuration is:
braid (mainline) → knot or small loop → fluorocarbon leader 1–3 m → egi

This structure is simple, versatile, and allows for a natural lure action while maintaining good resistance to obstacles.

🔹 Recommended Knots

• Uni Knot and Improved Clinch Knot: simple, secure, and ideal for connecting fluorocarbon to the braid or directly to the squid jig.
• Loop-to-loop or dropper loop: particularly useful if you pre-tie loops on the leader or use multi-lure rigs. By giving the egi more freedom of movement, they enhance attractiveness and make bites easier to detect.

💡 Practical tip: the loop knot allows the egi to move more freely, better imitating the natural movements of a shrimp or small fish.

🔹 Snaps / Clips
Advantages: allow quick egi changes without retying knots — useful when testing different sizes, colors, or sink rates in a short time.
Disadvantages: may slightly alter the natural action of the lure and add bulk, especially if the snap is too large.

✅ Suggestion: many experienced Eging anglers prefer to tie the egi directly to the fluorocarbon, or use very small, low-profile snaps especially when fishing from rocky shores or in conditions where lure naturalness is crucial.

🦑 Types of Egi and How to Choose (Sinking Speed and Color)

Choosing the right squid jig isn’t just about picking the correct size it’s essential to consider sink rate, color, and finish, as these factors determine how visible and attractive the lure will be to squid and cuttlefish.

⏱️ Sinking Speed (Sink Rate)

Egi are designed with different sinking speeds, which affect the depth and behavior of the lure:

• Super-Shallow / Shallow: slow sinking; ideal for shallow bottoms, seagrass beds, or calm waters.
• Normal / Basic: standard sink rate, versatile in almost all conditions.
• Deep / Fast: fast sinking; perfect for deep waters or strong currents.

💡 Practical rule: in deep spots or strong currents, choose heavier or “Deep” egi models; for fishing near the surface or over shallow bottoms, use Shallow or Slow-Fall egi.

🎨 Colors and Finishes

• Natural / Realistic: imitate shrimp or small fish; ideal for clear water and daytime use.
• Bright / Fluorescent: orange, pink, red; useful in murky, dark water or at night.
• Glow and KEIMURA: feature luminescent or UV-reactive coatings that enhance attractiveness, effective in low-light conditions or at greater depths.

🎣 Techniques: How to Animate the Egi

The animation is what makes the egi irresistible to cephalopods. By varying rhythm, jerk length, and pauses, you can adapt to the prey’s behavior and the water conditions.

Cast and Controlled Fall

Cast the egi and let it sink while counting the seconds (3–6 s, depending on the sink rate and estimated depth). The natural fall often triggers strikes from the most cautious cephalopods.

Lift & Fall

By lifting the rod 30–70 cm with one or two small jerks, then letting the egi fall, you imitate the movement of a shrimp escaping and then sinking. Most bites occur during the fall. Repeat with variable pauses to increase effectiveness.

Twitch & Pause / Tataki

Quick rod tip movements (twitches) followed by short pauses create an irregular, natural motion perfect when cephalopods are wary or the water is calm.

Drift / Vertical Jigging from Boat

When fishing from a boat, letting the egi sink and animating it vertically or with short up-and-down jerks is highly effective near the bottom or along drop-offs.

💡 Golden rule: always vary your rhythm, jerk length, and pauses. Use your rod tip to feel the bite cephalopod strikes are often different from those of bony fish, showing as slight pulls or a gentle added weight.

🐙 Which Species You Can Target

Eging is a technique specifically designed for cephalopods, with its main targets being cuttlefish and squid. Knowing the species and their behavior is essential to choosing the most effective lures, colors, depths, and animation techniques.

Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis and related species)
Habitat: prefer sandy or muddy bottoms near structures, rocky areas, seagrass beds, and small coves.
Behavior: often stationary, they blend well with their surroundings; they respond best to medium-small egi (sizes 2.5–3.5) in natural or luminescent colors, especially close to the bottom or during the lure’s fall.

Squid and Calamari (various species)
Habitat: often move in schools, preferring open waters but near reference points such as submerged reefs or drop-offs.
Behavior: more aggressive and curious; they strike egi of various sizes (from 2.5 to 4.0), responding well to Lift & Fall and Twitch animations. In murky water or at night, bright or glow-colored egi increase catch rates.

Octopus (Octopus vulgaris and similar species)
Habitat: rocky areas, crevices, and submerged reefs.
Behavior: occasionally caught with egi, though they generally prefer natural baits such as small fish or crustaceans. If your main target is octopus, it’s better to use dedicated rigs with live or specific artificial baits.

💡 Practical note: Eging is primarily intended for cuttlefish and squid, which are the main targets. Understanding the habitat and habits of these cephalopods allows you to optimize depth, color, and animation significantly increasing your chances of success.

⚖️ Pros and Cons of Eging Fishing

Eging is a fascinating technique, but like all fishing disciplines, it has both strengths and challenges. Knowing them helps you prepare better and enjoy the experience in any situation.

✅ Pros

Highly engaging: Eging is a dynamic and “sporty” style of fishing that requires constant attention and offers great satisfaction with every catch. Each cast, jerk, and bite delivers immediate excitement, making the experience intense and rewarding.

Light and sensitive equipment: the slim rod, combined with braided line, transmits even the smallest vibrations of the lure. Even small catches provide surprising tactile sensations, helping you refine your sensitivity and control in the water.

Versatile and adaptable: Eging can be practiced from shore, rocks, or boat, and is effective both day and night. This versatility allows you to adapt to different environments, depths, and conditions, making it ideal for any season.

Rewarding technical learning: learning to distinguish the subtle touches of cephalopods quickly develops precision and sensitivity. With practice, each session becomes an opportunity to improve technique, timing, and strategy making fishing even more fulfilling.

❌ Cons

Learning curve: cephalopod bites are often very subtle and different from those of bony fish. Interpreting them correctly and setting the hook at the right moment requires practice and patience, especially for beginners.

Weather sensitivity: strong wind, rough seas, or currents can make casting difficult and reduce the sensitivity of thin braided lines. In such conditions, lure control and retrieve precision become more challenging.

Initial costs: a quality rod, reliable reel, and good squid jigs are not cheap. Moreover, fishing from rocks can lead to losing lures and accessories, increasing overall expenses.

Constant maintenance: light gear and braided lines require cleaning and care after each trip, especially in saltwater environments. Regular maintenance is essential to preserve performance, durability, and reliability.

💡 Practical tip: approaching Eging with patience and gradual progression allows you to fully enjoy its strengths while minimizing difficulties turning every session into a fun and rewarding experience.

🌊 Weather and Environmental Conditions: When and Where to Try (Practical Tips)

The activity of cephalopods is strongly influenced by environmental factors such as lunar phases, tides, currents, wind, and water visibility. Understanding these elements helps you plan your outings and increase your chances of success.

🌕 Lunar Phases

The full moon and new moon can significantly affect cephalopod movements. Studies and field observations show that lunar brightness and different phases can influence catch rates by modulating nighttime activity and feeding behavior.
💡 Tip: try planning your fishing trips around the new moon or full moon periods, observing how squid jigs’ effectiveness changes with different lunar conditions.

🌊 Tides and Currents
A moderate current stimulates prey presence and activates cephalopods, making fishing more effective.
Overly strong currents or unfavorable directions can reduce control over the egi and compromise casting accuracy.

💡 Useful practice: study the tides of your fishing spot and try fishing during incoming or outgoing tide phases; note the most productive conditions to build a seasonal “fishing diary.”

💨 Wind
A light breeze is often favorable: it creates surface movement and can increase the egi’s attractiveness.
Strong wind, on the other hand, makes casting more difficult and affects the lure’s natural presentation especially from shore or rocky areas.

🌊 Water Visibility

• Clear water: choose egi with natural colors and realistic finishes that best imitate shrimp or small fish.
• Murky or dark water: use contrasting, fluorescent, or luminescent (Glow / KEIMURA) lures to enhance visibility.

Visibility also influences leader length and chosen sink rate: in clear water, use longer leaders and more natural sinking; in murky water, shorter leaders and faster sink rates help trigger bites.

📝 Useful practice
Record the most successful conditions lunar phase, tide, wind, water temperature, and clarity.
After a few sessions, you’ll start to recognize seasonal patterns and the most productive situations for each spot, optimizing your future fishing trips.

💡 Final tip: carefully observing nature and adjusting your egi, colors, sink rate, and animation to match environmental conditions is the key to becoming a successful Eging angler.

🧩 Specific Rigs and Practical Tricks

The choice of rig and small technical adjustments can make the difference between a successful session and a frustrating one. Here are some practical strategies to optimize your Eging performance:

🔹 Short Leader vs Long Leader
Short leader (1–1.5 m): improves bite detection, allowing you to feel even the slightest movements from cephalopods. Ideal in areas with obstacles or light currents, where maximum control over the egi is required.

Long leader (2–3 m): reduces the impact of the line on the lure, particularly useful in clear water or when cephalopods are wary. It helps avoid spooking the prey and allows for more natural lure movement.

💡 Tip: choose leader length based on water visibility and spot depth; in clear water, use a longer leader, while in murky water or light currents, opt for a shorter one.

🔹 Changing Sink Rate

Always carry 2–3 egi with different sink rates. This allows you to explore various layers of the water column and determine at what depth the cephalopods are most active. In rough seas or variable currents, having lures with different sinking speeds increases your chances of catching fish.

🔹 Watch Out for Obstacles

On bottoms with rocks, seagrass, or submerged structures:

• Use more abrasion-resistant fluorocarbon or a shock leader to protect the braid and reduce the risk of breakage.
• Some manufacturers offer Eging-specific leaders with anti-abrasion coatings, designed to withstand friction and impact without compromising the lure’s natural action.

💡 Practical trick: keep track of which combinations of leader, sink rate, and animation work best in each fishing spot. After a few outings, you’ll have a “winning kit” ready for any condition.

 

🛡️ Safety, Ethics, and Regulations

Practicing Eging responsibly means not only following the law but also protecting the environment and ensuring your own safety and that of other anglers.

📜 Respecting Regulations
Seasonality and minimum size: rules vary depending on the species and fishing area. Some cephalopods may be protected during certain times of the year or have size limits for capture.
Always check local regulations: consult harbormasters, nautical clubs, fishing associations, or official websites before going out. Being informed helps you avoid fines and contributes to species conservation.

🌿 Ethical Behavior
Do not abandon rigs or jigs: lost hooks, leaders, and egi in the sea pose a danger to marine life and the environment. Always carry bags or containers to collect any waste or lost materials.
Respect other people and the environment: avoid obstructing other anglers, protect rocky shores and natural areas, and never leave litter behind.

⚠️ Personal Safety
On rocky shores or docks exposed to rough seas, pay attention to waves, wind, and slippery surfaces.
Wear non-slip footwear and gloves when handling hooks and cephalopods.

💡 Practical tip: combining safety awareness, respect for regulations, and ethical behavior not only protects you and the environment but also makes fishing more rewarding and sustainable over time.

✅ Quick Checklist for an Eging Session

Main Equipment:

• Eging Rod: 2.1–2.7 m, fast or tip action for maximum sensitivity.
• Reel: size 2500–4000, lightweight, with smooth drag and saltwater resistance.

Lines and Leaders:

• PE Braid: 0.4–0.8, 100–200 m, for long casts and optimal bite detection.
• Fluorocarbon Leaders: 1–3 m, 6–12 lb; carry at least two different diameters to adapt to spot conditions and water clarity.

Squid Jigs (EGI):

• Set of sizes 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 with various sink rates and colors (natural, bright, glow/KEIMURA).
• Always bring a few variations to experiment with different depths and water conditions.

Useful Accessories:

• Landing net with telescopic handle.
• Pliers and cutters for handling hooks and snags.
• Well-organized lure box sorted by size, color, and sink rate.

Notes and Preparation:

• Notebook or log sheet to record weather, moon phase, tide, wind, temperature, and water clarity at the fishing spot.
• Always check safety gear (footwear, gloves) and local regulations before heading out.

💡 Practical tip: keeping your checklist ready and updated ensures you never forget anything and lets you approach every session efficiently and enjoyably.

 

📝 Final Practical Tips (Expert Tricks)

Bring a few but strategic egi sizes: 2–3 squid jigs are enough to start. The 3.0 size is often considered an “all-rounder,” versatile for many conditions and different depths.

Vary animation and depth: if cephalopods aren’t biting, try changing retrieve speed, jerk length, and fall time. Sometimes a slower movement or longer fall of the egi can make the difference between a catch and a blank day.

Take care of your reel spooling: a well-spooled line without tangles prevents wind knots and allows longer, more accurate casts. Always check knots and line tension before heading out to sea.

Night fishing: use egi with luminescent or glow parts, which attract cephalopods and baitfish. Moderate lighting from a boat or pier can increase small fish activity and make fishing more productive.

Observe and record: every spot and weather condition is different. Keeping a fishing diary with moon phases, tides, wind, water color, and depth helps you identify seasonal patterns and successful strategies over time.

💡 Expert trick: in Eging, quickly adapting to conditions and maintaining a flexible approach to egi animation is often more important than the number of lures you carry or the strength of your cast.

 

Eging is an extremely rewarding technique: it combines skill, sensitivity, and creativity, requiring the angler to observe, interpret, and adapt to the environment. With the right equipment a sensitive rod, thin braid, fluorocarbon leader, and a well-chosen set of squid jigs and a methodical approach to weather and environmental conditions, the chances of success increase significantly.

The key lies in controlled experimentation: varying the egi’s size, sink rate, color, and animation allows you to understand what works best in each situation. With patience and practice, even the most delicate touches from cephalopods become easily detectable, turning every session into an engaging and educational experience.

💡 Practical tip: keep a fishing diary with notes on your spots, tides, moon phases, water color, and animations used. Over time, this will help you develop personalized strategies and become an increasingly skilled Eging angler.