A good squid session can turn frustrating quickly when the line is too heavy, too visible or too stretchy to work an Egi properly. If you are asking what line for squid fishing to spool up, the dependable answer for most Australian conditions is light braid paired with a fluorocarbon leader. It gives you the casting distance, jig control and bite detection that squid fishing demands without making your setup unnecessarily complicated.

The exact line class still matters. A sheltered Adelaide jetty, a shallow weed bed and a windy boat drift all ask a little more from your line. Start with a practical all-round setup, then adjust for water clarity, snaggy ground and the size of jigs you are casting.

What line for squid fishing: the quick answer

For most land-based and boat squid fishing, spool 6-8lb braid as your main line and add 6-10lb fluorocarbon leader. This combination suits popular 2.5 to 3.5 size squid jigs, casts cleanly from a light spin outfit and lets you see and feel what the jig is doing.

Move down to 4-6lb braid with a 6lb leader when the water is very clear, calm and shallow, particularly around pressured jetties or weed beds. Step up to 8-10lb braid and a 10-12lb leader around oyster leases, rocky edges, pylons and rough ground where abrasion is the bigger concern.

Squid do not fight like a hard-running kingfish, but they can be cautious. The goal is not to use the lightest line possible. It is to use line fine enough for natural jig movement, yet strong enough to cast confidently, handle the occasional by-catch and survive the structure where squid often sit.

Why braid is the best main line for squid

Braid is the go-to main line because it is thin for its breaking strain and has very little stretch. That matters when you are working a squid jig with sharp rod lifts followed by a controlled fall. A thin braid helps you cast a light Egi farther, especially when fishing from a jetty or along a breakwall where reaching the edge of a weed bed can make the difference.

Low stretch also improves contact. Squid bites are not always a sharp hit. Often, the line simply stops sinking early, tracks sideways, twitches or comes tight with a strange, steady weight. Braid makes these subtle signs easier to pick up than monofilament.

A high-visibility braid is often a smart choice for squid fishing. The colour is not close to the jig because the fluorocarbon leader sits between it and the squid, while the bright main line makes it easier to watch for line movement in low light. This is particularly handy at dusk, when squid are active but visual bite detection becomes harder.

Choose a smooth, round braid

Not all braid handles the same. A quality, smooth braid in the PE 0.6 to PE 1.0 range is ideal for many squid outfits. It lays neatly on a 1000 to 2500 size spin reel, reduces wind knots and casts small jigs well.

Very fine braid can add a little casting distance, but it is less forgiving. If you are new to Egi fishing, fishing around structure or regularly dealing with wind, 8lb braid is often easier to live with than ultra-light line. It is a sensible middle ground for a dedicated squid setup.

Fluorocarbon leader is where stealth meets abrasion resistance

Your leader does the close-up work. Fluorocarbon is preferred because it is tough against weed, shell grit, rocks and jetty structure, and it is less visible underwater than standard mono. For most anglers, a 1.5 to 2 metre leader gives enough protection without making casting awkward.

A 6-8lb fluorocarbon leader is excellent for clean, clear water and smaller jigs. It allows the jig to sink and dart naturally, which can be valuable when squid are following but refusing to commit. If the area has barnacled pylons, reefy bottom or big cuttlefish mixed in, 10lb leader is a safer option.

There is a trade-off with heavy leader. A very thick leader can affect the action and sink rate of smaller squid jigs, and it can make a shy squid more hesitant in crystal-clear shallows. Save 12lb leader for genuinely rough country rather than treating it as the default.

Leader knots and jig connections

A slim, strong braid-to-leader knot helps the whole setup perform. An FG knot is a popular choice because it passes through guides smoothly, though a carefully tied double uni or Albright-style knot can work well on a short leader. The best knot is the one you can tie consistently and inspect before every session.

At the jig end, use a small specialised Egi clip if you change colours and sizes regularly. It saves time and allows a clean connection. If you prefer to tie directly, a non-slip loop knot can give the jig a little freedom to move. Avoid bulky clips or swivels that may interfere with the jig's balance.

Can you use mono for squid fishing?

You can, and mono remains a workable choice for casual squid anglers. A 6-10lb monofilament main line is affordable, simple to knot and has enough stretch to cushion sudden runs from larger squid or accidental by-catch. It can be a good option for a spare outfit, youngsters or anyone who prefers straightforward gear.

The compromise is sensitivity and casting. Mono is thicker than braid at the same breaking strain, stretches more and can make it harder to detect soft takes or maintain direct contact with a sinking jig. In deeper water or wind, that difference becomes more obvious.

If mono is already on your reel, do not let it stop you from chasing squid. Add a fluorocarbon leader, fish a slightly more deliberate retrieve and watch the line closely. But if you are building an outfit specifically for Egi fishing, braid and fluorocarbon are worth choosing from the start.

Match your line to where and how you fish

The location should guide your final line choice. On calm, clear bays and shallow seagrass flats, light line helps a jig sink naturally and look less intrusive. A 6lb braid and 6lb fluorocarbon combination is a refined setup for this work, provided the ground is clean.

Around metropolitan jetties, marina pontoons and rocky shoreline, you may need more insurance. Squid love structure because it holds bait and provides cover, but those same areas can quickly scuff a light leader. An 8lb braid with 8-10lb fluorocarbon is a practical all-round choice for these situations.

From a boat, wind and current can create belly in the line. If you are drifting over deeper weed beds, use a braid that lets you maintain contact with the jig rather than immediately jumping to heavy line. Often the better fix is a slightly larger or faster-sinking jig. Heavier line creates more drag and can make it harder to keep the jig in the strike zone.

Night fishing has its own considerations. Bright braid is useful for tracking line movement under jetty lights, while a slightly stronger leader can help around pylons and mussel-covered structure. Keep the leader sensible, though. Squid are often close to the surface and can inspect a poorly presented jig.

Spooling and maintaining your squid line

Fill the reel properly. An underfilled spool costs casting distance, while an overfilled spool can cause loose coils and wind knots. Leave a small gap below the spool lip and make sure the braid is wound on under steady tension.

Check the first few metres of leader regularly. Run it through your fingers after a snag, a squid capture or a session around abrasive ground. Any roughness, whitening or nick near the jig is a reason to cut back and retie. Leader is inexpensive compared with losing a productive squid jig on the next cast.

Also inspect your braid near the leader knot. Fine braid can be damaged by careless knot tying, rubbing against sharp edges or pulling hard to free a snag. Replacing a short damaged section before the next session is much easier than discovering the problem as a good squid heads for the weed.

Common line mistakes that cost squid

The most common mistake is using line that is far too heavy for the jig and conditions. Heavy braid and leader reduce casting performance, create drag and can make a small Egi feel dead in the water. The second is fishing without a leader, which puts visible braid close to the lure and offers little resistance against shell and rock.

Another issue is treating every strange feeling as weed. Squid often grab a jig and sit on it rather than tearing away. When the line pauses, drifts sideways or feels oddly heavy, lift the rod smoothly. Do not strike like you are setting a hook into a snapper. The jig's prongs need steady pressure to hold.

For a reliable starting point, spool 8lb braid, tie on 8lb fluorocarbon and carry a few leader strengths in your tackle bag. That setup covers a huge range of squid fishing around South Australia, and it gives you room to go lighter in clear shallows or tougher around structure. The right line will not replace good jig placement, but it will help every cast sink, twitch and connect the way it should.