Seasons
Seasonal closures apply to protect spawning squid.
South east coast - All waters south of Lemon Rock to Whale Head (including Coles Bay and Great Oyster Bay) CLOSED from 15 October to 14 November inclusive in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
North coast - All waters north of Kennaook/Cape Grim and Cape Naturaliste CLOSED from 1 September to 31 October inclusive in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Squid spawning closure areas statewide.
Habitat
A schooling species, this squid inhabits inshore coastal and estuarine areas over reef, sand and seagrass beds, commonly in waters from 0-10 metres depth. They can be readily distinguished from the southern calamari by the presence of two fins at the base of the tail that give the squid a characteristic arrow shape.
Fishing information
Squid are caught using squid jigs or baited squid lures. Fishers use a jigging or casting action from boats and jetties or off rocks. Often caught under lights around jetties at night. They have rapid growth rates and live only for about 12 months.
Handling
Caution as squid have a beak or mouth that can inflict a painful bite as well as the ability to squirt ink.
Cooking
Squid is tender when properly cooked with a delicate flavour. It has low oil content and a firm white texture. Prepare as whole hoods, tentacles or in rings or strips. Popular deep-fried. Can also be marinated.
Recipe: Salt and Pepper Squid:
squid mantles, hoods and legs, arms, tentacles; 1 cup plain flour; ¼ cup semolina (optional-makes crispier squid); 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground black pepper; 1 tsp Chinese five-spice; ½ tsp chilli powder (optional); 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce or 1 tsp of chopped chilli; ½ cup soy sauce; frying oil; lemon wedges and sliced fresh red chilli (optional), to serve.
Cut one side of the hood lengthways so it opens out flat. With a sharp knife score the inner surface diagonally and then diagonally in opposite directions to form a chris-cross pattern. Cut into strips about 2 cm wide. Reduce length of strips to a maximum of 5 cm. Dry with paper towel.
Tentacles can also be used. Enclose tentacles in a clasped fist and quickly pull through your fist to strip the discs off the suckers. Cut to about 3-5 cm in length. Combine the flour, semolina, salt, pepper, Chinese five-spice and chilli powder in a bowl or food grade bag. Place a few pieces of squid in the mixture at a time and toss around to coat the squid. Mix sweet chilli sauce or sliced chilli with soy sauce in a small container.
Heat oil in pan to very hot. Remove squid pieces from flour mixture and shake off excess. Place in pan and cook quickly (about 2 minutes). Tentacles may require about 4-5 minutes depending on size. Cook in batches if necessary. Place cooked squid pieces on paper towel.
Serve with lemon wedges. Dip or pour the chilli soy sauce mix over the squid depending on taste.