Fishing for squid and cuttlefish in winter with the tataki mount

Calamari caught on tataki © Guillaume Fourrier

The winter months are ideal for squid and cuttlefish fishing from boats. Find out how to optimize your outings with the right lures, ideal conditions and effective rigs for successful catches. The tataki fishing technique gives excellent results.

Winter offers ideal conditions for fishing squid and cuttlefish, cephalopods that are particularly active at this time of year.

By using the right lures, such as jigs and tataki rigs, you can target these species in specific areas such as ridens and wrecks. Here's everything you need to know for successful winter sea fishing.

The best spots for targeting squid and cuttlefish

Squid and cuttlefish concentrate in winter near wrecks and ridens. These areas, rich in small fish such as sand eels and anchovies, attract these tentacled predators.

Seiche prise au fond
Cuttlefish caught on the bottom

Light to moderate currents are ideal for targeting them, as they allow fishing with light sinkers. Harbour entrances and rocky coves are also great spots to explore, especially on low tides.

Lures to choose for the best catches

To catch these cephalopods, jigs are a must. These lures imitate fish or shrimp, and are fitted with hook baskets to avoid frequent unhooking. Prefer fabric-covered jigs, which hold better to squid suckers.

Les turluttes attirent les calamars
Jigs attract squid

For deep-sea fishing, models with holographic coatings or integrated LEDs are very effective.

Animation techniques

The tataki animation is ideal for attracting cephalopods. Make jerky movements with the rod to make the jigs twirl a few metres off the bottom.

L'animation et le montage tataki
Tataki animation and editing

Cephalopods, attracted by flashes of light and movement, don't hesitate to attack. Use a light jigging rod and a reel fitted with fine braid for greater sensitivity. By varying the animations and adapting the colors of the jigs to the light conditions, you'll optimize your chances of success.

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