Squid Fishing Kit Checklist for UK Beginners and Families

By Monty · Reviewed by Andy · Published 4 October 2026

Lure fishing
Shore
Harbour or pier
Rock marks
Beginner
Autumn
Winter

Squid can be caught from many UK harbours and piers with simple lure tackle. This checklist sets out the essential and optional kit, and explains how to choose and check it before a family trip.

Who it suits: Beginners and families who want to try squid fishing from harbour walls, piers or sheltered rock marks. It also suits anglers who already fish for mackerel and want a new target. Children should always fish with a responsible adult, especially after dark.
Conditions: Squid are often reported to be most active around dusk and after dark, in clear, calm water, and around harbour lights. In the UK they are generally thought to come inshore mostly from late summer through autumn and into winter, but timing varies by region and year. Check local reports and the weather and tide forecasts before you go.

What you need

A checklist to pack before you go. Tackle recommendations are editorial — we don't sell anything yet.

Essential

Light lure or spinning rod, about 7–9 ft (2.1–2.7 m)Should comfortably cast lures of roughly 10–30 g. Shorter rods are easier for children.Alternatives: A light spinning rod used for mackerel spinners or a light bass lure rod.
Small fixed-spool reelNeeds a smooth drag so squid are not pulled free.Alternatives: Any small fixed-spool reel already used for light sea fishing.
Main lineThin braid helps you feel bites and work the jig. Monofilament is easier for beginners and tangles less.Alternatives: Light monofilament on its own for a first trip.
Squid jigs in two or three sizesSizes around 1.8–3.0 cover most harbour fishing. Smaller ones sink slowly for shallow water.Alternatives: Start with a few size 2.0–2.5 jigs and add more later.
Head torch with red-light settingKeeps hands free and lights your footing. Red light avoids dazzling others.Alternatives: A hand torch, though a head torch is much easier.
Spare batteries or charged power bankLight failing on a dark harbour wall is a real hazard.Alternatives: A second torch.
Lifejacket or buoyancy aid for each personEspecially important for children and when fishing near deep water or after dark. Check fit before you go.Alternatives: None. Do not fish near deep water without one.
Warm, waterproof layers, hat and glovesEvenings on harbours get cold quickly, especially in autumn and winter.Alternatives: Thin gloves that let you tie knots, plus warmer gloves for breaks.
Footwear with good gripHarbour steps and walls can be wet, weedy and slippery.Alternatives: Wellies or boots with a grippy sole.
Cloth or towelFor wiping hands and holding squid.Alternatives: Old tea towel.
Scissors or line snipsFor cutting line cleanly. Braid is hard to cut with teeth.Alternatives: Small folding scissors, used by an adult.
Mobile phone in a waterproof pouchFor emergencies and checking forecasts.Alternatives: None.

Useful extras

Leader of clear fluorocarbon or monofilamentA short length tied to the end of braid. Less visible and more resistant to rubbing on harbour walls.Alternatives: Not needed if you fish straight monofilament.
Small snap clipsMake it quick to change jigs without retying, which helps with cold fingers and children.Alternatives: Tie jigs directly to the line.
Squid jigs in a few coloursNatural colours, bright colours and glow types give options if squid ignore one style.Alternatives: A single reliable colour for a first trip.
Old clothes or an apronSquid ink stains clothes.Alternatives: A waterproof jacket that wipes clean.
BucketUseful for letting squid squirt ink before handling, and for holding any you keep.Alternatives: A sturdy bag or box.
Cool bag with ice packsOnly needed if you plan to keep squid to eat.Alternatives: Sealable food bags in a cool box.
Small tackle boxKeeps jigs apart so the pins do not tangle or catch fingers.Alternatives: A clear box with dividers.
Snacks and a warm drinkHelps keep children happy and warm on longer evenings.Alternatives: Whatever your family enjoys.

How squid fishing works

Squid fishing from the shore is a form of lure fishing. You cast a small lure called a squid jig, let it sink, then lift and drop it so it darts like a small fish or prawn. A squid grabs it with its tentacles and gets caught on the rows of fine pins at the back of the jig. There are no barbed hooks, so the squid usually comes off easily.

Because the kit is light and simple, it suits beginners and families. Many anglers fish for squid from the same harbours and piers where they catch mackerel.

Choosing your kit

Rod

A light lure rod is ideal. Something around 7 to 9 ft (about 2.1 to 2.7 m) is easy to handle for children and adults. It should be able to cast lures of roughly 10 to 30 g. A light spinning rod you already use for mackerel spinners will often do the job to begin with.

Reel

A small fixed-spool reel is the easiest to use. Choose one that sits comfortably on the rod and has a smooth drag. Squid do not run hard, but a smooth drag stops them pulling free.

Line

Many squid anglers use thin braid on the reel because it shows every small touch and helps the jig dart. A short length of clear fluorocarbon or monofilament is tied to the end as a leader. Plain monofilament on its own is fine for a first trip, and it is easier for beginners to manage.

Squid jigs

Squid jigs come in different sizes, often given as numbers such as 1.8, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0. Smaller sizes sink more slowly and suit shallow harbours. Larger sizes cast further and sink faster. A few jigs in different colours and sizes is a sensible start, as squid can be fussy on the night.

Light

Good light matters for safety and for fishing. A head torch keeps your hands free. A red-light setting helps you see without shining bright light into the water or into other people's eyes.

Checking your kit before you go

Check the rod rings for cracks or chips, as these can cut line.
Turn the reel handle and make sure it is smooth, and that the bail arm flips over cleanly.
Look along the line for frays or kinks and cut off any damaged sections.
Check the pins on each jig. Bent or rusty pins can be straightened gently or the jig set aside.
Put fresh batteries in head torches and pack a spare.
Make sure everyone's lifejacket or buoyancy aid fits and has been checked.
Pack a bucket or cool bag if you plan to keep any squid for the table.

Simple family set-up

Item	Beginner choice	Why
Rod	Light lure or spinning rod	Easy for small hands to cast
Reel	Small fixed-spool	Simple to use and untangle
Line	Monofilament or thin braid with a leader	Mono is easier, braid shows bites better
Lure	Squid jigs, size 2.0 to 2.5	A good middle size for many harbours
Light	Head torch	Hands free and safer after dark

Handling squid

Squid can squirt ink, so hold them away from your clothes and other people when you lift them out. Let them squirt into the water or a bucket first. Squid also have a small, hard beak in the middle of their arms, so keep fingers away from it. Use a cloth or wear gloves if you prefer.

If you keep squid to eat, only take what you will use, and check any local rules first.

Before you fish

Check whether fishing is allowed on the harbour or pier, and whether there are rules about night fishing.
Check the weather and tide forecasts.
Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
Read any signs on the harbour or pier and follow them.

Stay safe

Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times, and especially after dark.
Wear a properly fitted lifejacket or buoyancy aid when fishing near deep water, harbour edges or from piers.
Use a head torch and stay well back from the edge, as harbour walls and steps can be slippery and poorly lit.
Check the weather and tide forecasts before you go, and leave if conditions worsen.
Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.
Keep fingers away from the squid's beak and hold squid away from faces to avoid ink in the eyes.
Watch out for other anglers' lines and casts, particularly in the dark.
Follow harbour or pier signs and rules, and keep clear of boats, ropes and working areas.
In an emergency at the coast in the UK, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Questions people ask

What is a squid jig?

A squid jig is a small lure shaped like a fish or prawn, with rows of fine pins at the back instead of a normal hook. Squid grab it with their tentacles and get caught on the pins.

Can I use my mackerel rod for squid?

Often, yes. A light spinning rod that casts small lures will usually work for squid. Very heavy rods make it harder to feel bites and to work the jig gently.

When is the best time to try for squid?

Many anglers report the best results around dusk and after dark, with most activity in UK waters from late summer through autumn and winter. Timing varies by area, so check local reports.

Do I need bait?

No. Shore squid fishing is usually done with jigs, which are lures. That keeps things simple and clean for families.

Will squid ink stain my clothes?

It can. Wear old clothes and let squid squirt into the water or a bucket before you handle them.

Do I need a licence to fish for squid?

Rules can differ around the UK and between harbours. Check with the harbour or local authority before you go.

How to Catch Mackerel with Your Mum, Dad or Carer: A Family Guide
Mackerel are one of the best first sea fish for families. They often swim in shoals close to piers, harbours and rocks in the warmer months, they bite readily and they fight hard for their size. This guide explains what you need, how to fish for them together, and what to try if the fish aren't biting.