Best Squid Gaff Australia: What To Use From Piers And Rocks

The best squid gaff in Australia is the one that lets you land squid cleanly, safely and without turning a good capture into a lost one at the edge.

That matters more than people realise. A lot of squid are lost right at the end, especially from higher pier platforms, marina walls and rough rock fishing positions where you cannot simply swing the squid up by the line.

If you are still choosing your lure system, start with the main guide on the best squid jig in Australia. Once the squid is hooked, though, the landing tool becomes the next weak link.

Why squid gaff length matters

Length matters because landing height matters.

If your gaff is too short:

• you overreach
• you rush the lift
• you end up trying to hand-line awkwardly
• you lose squid beside the wall

If your gaff is long enough, you can stay in control and guide the squid up properly.

Why telescopic squid gaffs are so useful

For a lot of Australian anglers, telescopic squid gaffs are the most practical choice because they solve two problems at once:

1. they extend when you need reach
2. they pack down when you need portability

That is ideal for land-based eging where you might walk long distances, move between piers, or climb down to different rock platforms during the same session.

Best squid gaff for pier fishing

On pier fishing platforms, a telescopic gaff gives you control when the water level changes with tide and when you are fishing from elevated railings.

The big advantage is not just reach. It is angle. A longer gaff lets you guide the squid toward you and lift in a smoother motion instead of stabbing down with a short fixed tool.

Best squid gaff for rock fishing

Rock fishing usually needs even more respect. Uneven terrain, surge and awkward footing make rushed landings messy.

In those situations, a quality telescopic squid gaff is often the safer choice because you can keep your body position more stable and still reach the waterline.

What to look for in a good squid gaff

Enough reach for your local platforms

Think about the actual spots you fish, not just the product spec sheet. A gaff that is fine for a low pontoon may be useless on a high public pier.

Reasonable pack-down length

If the gaff is painful to carry, it will stay in the car. Telescopic models are popular because they are easier to bring on every trip.

Clean hook design and control

You want a gaff that lets you secure the squid efficiently without awkward fumbling at the edge.

RUI telescopic squid gaff options worth considering

If you are shopping for a practical landing tool, these are the two obvious starting points:

• 3.9m Telescopic Squid Gaff
• Premium RUI Squid Fishing Landing Gaff

A simple way to separate them is by fishing height and experience level. The 3.9m version makes a lot of sense as the more approachable starting point for newer anglers or for public piers that are not especially high above the water. It gives you practical reach without overcomplicating the setup.

The premium version makes more sense once you are regularly fishing higher platforms, steeper walls or more demanding landing angles, or if you simply want a more serious tool for frequent land-based sessions. In other words, the 3.9m model suits plenty of everyday pier work, while the premium option fits anglers who are pushing into higher or more committed landing situations.

The main reason both styles make sense is simple: they are aligned with what land-based squid anglers actually need. Reach, portability and easier control from piers and higher edges matter far more than gimmicks.

When do you actually need a squid gaff?

A gaff becomes important when:

• the platform is too high to swing fish safely
• you are fishing walls, marinas or steep edge structure
• the squid is large enough that a rushed lift could tear hooks free
• the area below is rough or exposed

If you are only ever fishing low pontoons, you can sometimes get away without one. But once the landing height increases, a proper gaff stops being optional and starts becoming part of the system.

Matching your landing tool to your jig setup

There is not much point choosing the right squid jig if the final landing phase is underpowered. Your lure and landing setup should work together.

If you have not already, go back to our core guide on the best squid jig in Australia. And if you are still refining lure selection, our guides on squid jig colours in Australia and squid jig size guide will help round out the system.

Final word

The best squid gaff in Australia is not about hype. It is about reach, control and making sure you can finish the job from the ground you actually fish.

For many land-based anglers, that means a telescopic model with enough length for piers and rock edges, plus a sensible pack-down size for transport. If that sounds like your style of fishing, the 3.9m Telescopic Squid Gaff is the clearest place to start.