It was October 12th, 2019, off the coast of Port Aransas, Texas. The sky was a hazy gray, and a steady 15-knot southeast wind was kicking up choppy 2-foot swells. The water temp had dropped to 72°F overnight, which I knew usually gets the squid moving closer to shore.
I’d been fishing for squid here for years, but that day I’d brought a new set of Soft Lures I’d picked up from a tackle shop in Corpus Christi. I was skeptical at first—my old hard plastic jigs had served me well for decades. But let me tell you, what happened next changed how I fish for squid forever.
The Problem with My Old Squid Jigs
I’d always stuck to those neon green hard jigs with the metal weights inside. They were reliable, but they had their issues. The plastic was brittle, and I’d broken more than a few when they snagged on oyster beds. And honestly, when the squid were being finicky, those jigs just didn’t have the same action as something softer.
That day, I started with my old go-to rig. I cast out about 50 yards and let the jig sink to 15 feet, then started my usual retrieve—two quick jerks followed by a 3-second pause. After 20 minutes, I’d had one small squid bite, but it got off before I could set the hook. Frustration was starting to set in.
Giving the New Soft Lures a Try
I decided to switch to the new Soft Lures I’d bought. They were a translucent pink color, with a silicone skirt that flared out when I moved them. The weight was embedded in the soft body, so it had a more natural sink rate. I tied one on and cast out to the same spot.
The difference was immediate. As soon as I started my retrieve, I felt a sharp tug on the line. I set the hook and pulled in a 10-inch squid that was wrapped around the lure. Over the next hour, I caught 12 more squid—all on that same soft jig. My old hard jigs were left sitting in my tackle box the rest of the day.
Why Soft Lures Work So Well for Squid
After that day, I started doing some research to figure out why those soft jigs were so effective. Here’s what I learned:
- Natural Action: The soft silicone body of these lures moves in the water more like real squid tentacles than hard plastic. When you retrieve them, the skirt flares out and pulsates, which is exactly what squid look like when they’re swimming.
- Durability: Soft lures are much more resistant to breaking than hard plastic jigs. I’ve used the same set of Soft Lures for over a year now, and they’re still in great shape—even after snagging on countless oyster beds.
- Versatility: These lures work in a wide range of water conditions. I’ve used them in clear water off the coast of Florida, murky water in the Mississippi River, and everything in between. They’re also effective at different depths—from 5 feet to 50 feet.
How to Fish Squid Jigs Effectively
Now, let me share some tips for fishing with squid jigs that I’ve learned over the years. Whether you’re using hard or soft jigs, these techniques will help you catch more squid.
Other Squid Fishing Tips
Here are a few more tips that have helped me catch more squid over the years:
- Use a light fishing rod and 6-8 pound test line. Squid have soft mouths, so you need to set the hook gently to avoid tearing it.
- Add glow-in-the-dark beads or stickers to your jig. Squid are attracted to light, especially in murky water or at night.
- Look for birds diving or baitfish jumping. This is a good sign that squid are feeding nearby.
- Don’t be afraid to move around. If you’re not getting bites in one spot after 15-20 minutes, try moving to a new location.
Other Fish You Can Catch with Squid Jigs
While squid jigs are designed for catching squid, they’re also incredibly effective for catching other predator fish. I’ve caught redfish, snook, and even trout using squid jigs as bait.
One time, I was fishing for squid off the coast of Destin, Florida, when I hooked a 25-inch redfish that had taken my jig. I couldn’t believe it—I was using a 1/8 ounce jig that was barely bigger than the squid themselves!
If you’re looking to catch more predator fish, I recommend checking out LENPABY’s Predator Fish Specials. They have a wide range of lures that are designed to attract everything from bass to saltwater game fish.
Final Thoughts
Over the past 20 years, I’ve tried countless squid jigs, but none have impressed me as much as the soft lures from LENPABY. Their natural action, durability, and versatility make them the perfect choice for any squid fisherman.
So if you’re tired of breaking expensive hard jigs or not getting the bites you want, give these soft lures a try. I think you’ll be just as impressed as I was.
And remember—always bring extra jigs. Squid have a habit of stealing your lure when you least expect it!
