/ 
Fall: The Real Start of the Season
Along the French Mediterranean coast, the first serious fishing trips often begin as early as September and October. After the intense summer heat, the gradual cooling of the water and the shorter days encourage squid to move closer to the coast.
Fishing becomes especially good between October and December. During this time, squid tend to gather around breakwaters, harbor entrances, rocky points, beaches, and well-lit areas where small fish and other prey are concentrated. This proximity to the shore makes it possible to fish effectively from the coast, particularly using the ?egi? or ?eging? technique, which involves casting modern, animated squid jigs.
November and December: Two Months You Won't Want to Miss
While conditions vary by sector and year, November and December are among the most consistent months. The individuals we encounter may also become more beautiful as the season progresses.
Fishing is still possible in January and February, and can sometimes yield some wonderful surprises. However, you?ll have to deal more with strong winds, rapid weather changes, and fishing activity that can become irregular. When fishing from a boat, exploring deeper areas often allows you to extend the season when cephalopods move away from the shore.
Sunset: A Strategic Moment
Choosing the right season isn't enough: the time of day you fish for squid is just as important. Times of low light are particularly favorable. The period from late afternoon to the early hours of the night is therefore a must.
Dawn can also offer some great fishing sessions. At night, the lights from the harbors and breakwaters create attractive areas where forage fish gather. Squid naturally take advantage of these concentrations to hunt.
Relatively clear water and calm seas also make fishing easier. On calm nights, you can methodically explore different depths by letting the jig sink for varying lengths of time before starting to work it.
Which jigs should you choose to kick off the season?
In early fall, jigs sized 2.5 to 3.0 are an excellent starting point. As the squid grow larger, the 3.0 and 3.5 models gradually take over. The choice of weight should primarily allow you to reach the depth where the cephalopods are found.
Natural colors are effective when the water is clear and there is plenty of light. At dusk or in slightly tinted water, colors that are more contrasting, fluorescent, or coated with a luminous finish can make all the difference.
The retrieve typically alternates between short, sharp tugs, accelerations, and pauses. These pauses are essential: the squid often strikes as the jig is being lowered.
So, when should you use jigs?
For a Mediterranean angler looking to make the most of the season, September marks the start of the monitoring period, and October is when things really get serious. November and December are then prime months, before winter fishing?which is often more technically demanding?begins.
More than just the calendar, however, you need to watch the sea. The presence of small fish, feeding frenzies, clear water, stable weather, and activity around the lights are all clues. When these conditions come together at dusk, it?s probably time to get your jigs ready.
