Guide
How to Use a Squid Gaff
Real Flinders Pier lessons: lead the squid flat on the surface before you gaff it, lift the pole vertically, then collapse it section by section.
Lead it flat. Reach down. Secure the squid. Lift straight. Shorten the pole. Bring it in.
A telescopic squid gaff gives you reach from a high pier, but that reach is not an invitation to use it like a crane. The landing is only complete when the squid is close enough to bring in under control.
These three videos from Rui Tang at Flinders Pier, Victoria, cover the whole landing. The first sets the squid up before the gaff goes in; the second shows the correct lift from 1:26; the third shows the common mistake at 0:36. For length and equipment selection, use the separate squid gaff buying guide.
Before the gaff goes in: lead the squid flat
The English narration summarises Rui’s on-the-spot coaching, which was originally spoken in Mandarin. Captions are available in the player.
Most missed gaff shots come down to how the squid is sitting, not the gaff. In this lesson Rui coaches a landing live, and the rule he keeps repeating is simple: don’t let the squid stand up. Lay it flat.
A squid gaff head is an umbrella of curved prongs. When the squid lies side-on along the surface, its whole mantle sits across those prongs. When it hangs straight up from the jig, there is only a narrow body to catch, and it slips between them.
What the lesson shows:
- Keep it side-on. Walk the squid along the surface toward the gaff instead of letting it hang under the jig.
- Too much tension stands it up. Pulling the line tight or lifting the rod too hard turns the squid vertical. Ease off for a moment, let it settle, then turn it side-on again.
- Line the gaff up from the side. Once the squid is lying sideways, lay the gaff across from that side and lift in one controlled move. On one attempt the gaff was reaching too far forward; bringing it back a little lined it up.
Flat squid, vertical pole. The two rules work together: the squid should be lying flat when the gaff goes in, and the loaded gaff is then lifted vertically and shortened, as the next two videos show.
Read the video transcript
Here’s the one thing that decides whether you land a squid off the pier.
Don’t let it hang straight up and down. Lead it so it lies flat on the surface.
Flat, the gaff has the whole body to grab. Upright, it slips straight between the prongs.
There. Flat on the water. Now lift it out in one smooth move.
On the next one, the gaff’s too far forward. Bring it back a little.
Keep the squid side on, and walk it along the surface toward the gaff.
The aim never changes. Get it lying sideways before the gaff goes in.
Here comes the gaff. Turn the squid sideways, then just lay the gaff across from that side.
Too much tension stands the squid up.
Ease off for a moment and let it settle. Then turn it side on again.
That’s it. Sideways like this, and it comes up easily.
But pull too hard and you stand it up again. Then there’s nowhere for the gaff to go.
Lead it flat. Then gaff it.
Watch the correct technique
Watch from 1:26 on YouTube · Watch the full video
The landing lesson is a sequence: place the head beneath the squid, lift steadily, then work your hands along the pole and collapse the sections to bring the squid close. Keep control throughout the hand changes. Do not flick the squid upwards.
The earlier part of this video also explains a slack-line take: a squid swimming towards you can make the line fall loose rather than pull tight. That is a bite-detection lesson; once the squid is hooked, keep steady contact as you guide it to the landing point.
Correct use, step by step
1. Prepare before the squid reaches the pier
Check that the head is secure and the pole sections are undamaged. Set up according to your gaff’s instructions and practise its extension and collapse mechanism without a load first. Have the gaff within reach and a clear place to put the catch.
Choose a position where the head can reach the water without leaning outside the railing. A companion can manage the gaff while you control the rod. If you cannot safely manage both, get help before attempting the lift.
2. Guide the squid into a controlled position
Bring the squid to the surface within gaff range, keeping steady pressure on the line. Do not lift a heavy squid out of the water on the rod and jig crowns while searching for your landing gear.
Keep the squid away from piles, ropes and the underside of the pier. Let it settle enough to place the gaff accurately rather than chasing it with repeated jabs.
3. Place the head beneath the squid and lift steadily
Lower the head into position beneath the squid, clear of the jig and line. Secure the squid with a deliberate, controlled movement. Avoid stabbing down blindly or trying to snag a loose tentacle.
Maintain line control until the gaff has securely taken the load. The rod guides the squid into position; it should not be used to hoist the catch up the pier.
4. Lift vertically
Keep the loaded gaff close to vertical and raise the squid smoothly, clear of the structure. Avoid bouncing, sideways sweeps or using the railing as a fulcrum.
A vertical lift is the correct first part. It does not replace the next step.
5. Collapse the pole section by section
As you bring the squid up, progressively shorten the telescopic pole using the method intended for that model. Keep a supporting grip before repositioning the other hand, walking your hands along the shaft as each section closes.
Shorten the distance between your supporting hands and the catch. Keep fingers clear of closing joints, and do not release several sections at once or let the pole drop shut under the squid’s weight. If a section sticks, keep the catch supported and get assistance rather than forcing it with a sudden jerk.
6. Bring the catch inward under control
Once the pole is shortened and the squid is clear of the rail, bring it inward without a pendulum swing. Keep the exposed hooks away from your hands and other people, then lower the catch into the prepared landing space.
After use, cover the hooks, rinse off salt and grit, and dry the equipment according to its care instructions.
Watch the mistake: lifting straight, but never shortening the pole
Watch the mistake from 0:36 on YouTube · Watch the full video
This is an example of a missed step, not a reason to teach the opposite lifting direction. The initial upward lift is right. The problem is leaving the telescopic pole extended and raising the entire assembly instead of progressively collapsing it.
An extended pole is harder to control when the squid moves. If you then tilt or swing it, the long reach creates leverage and increases bending load. Shortening the pole reduces that leverage and helps keep the squid close. It does not remove the squid’s weight or make overloading safe.
The clip illustrates handling technique; it does not establish a breaking load or prove that a particular gaff is defective.
Correct vs incorrect: the landing checklist
| Landing stage | Correct technique | Mistake to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Getting within reach | Stable stance; enough pole length for the water level | Leaning over the rail to compensate for a short gaff |
| Setting the squid up | Lead it flat and side-on at the surface | Gaffing a squid that hangs straight up from the jig |
| Engaging the squid | Position beneath it and make one controlled lift | Repeated blind stabbing or tangling the head in the line |
| First lift | Keep the loaded pole close to vertical | Sweeping sideways or levering against the railing |
| Bringing it up | Support the load and collapse sections progressively | Keeping the pole fully extended and hoisting it as one piece |
| Coming over the rail | Shorten first; move inward once the squid clears the rail | Flicking or swinging the squid towards the deck |
| A squid for release | Use a suitable net | Puncturing it with a gaff before deciding to release it |
Which squid gaff should you buy?
Choose by usable reach from your actual stance, including the lower water level at low tide. A longer pole does not make an unsafe landing position safe, and a more expensive head does not replace correct technique.
SquidFishing.com.au is published by RUI Fishing Tackles. The links below lead to the RUI store, eging.com.au.
| Your landing situation | Product to consider | Check before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| A pier where 3.9m comfortably reaches the squid | RUI 3.9m Telescopic Squid Gaff | Actual water distance, railing clearance and your ability to collapse the pole under control |
| You need to choose a different pole length | RUI Telescopic Squid Gaff with Daiichi Seiko Head | Listed length options are 3.6m, 4.5m, 5.3m and 6.3m; check the availability of your exact variant |
| You are comparing the range | All RUI squid gaffs and landing gear | Current price, stock and product instructions |
The multi-length model includes a 3.6m option, so it is not automatically longer than the 3.9m model. Select the actual length you need. Prices and variant availability can change; use the linked product page for the current details. These are purchase options, not a claim that the exact model in either video has been identified.
Frequently asked questions
Should a squid be flat or vertical when you gaff it?
Flat. Lead the squid so it lies side-on along the surface before the gaff goes in. A squid hanging straight up from the jig presents only a narrow target and tends to slip between the gaff’s prongs.
Why does my gaff keep missing the squid?
Usually because the squid is hanging upright under the jig. Too much line tension, or lifting the rod too hard, stands it up. Ease off for a moment, let it settle, turn it side-on, then gaff it from underneath.
Is lifting a squid gaff straight up wrong?
No. A controlled vertical lift is correct. The missing step is shortening the telescopic pole section by section, instead of hoisting or swinging the entire extended pole.
When should I collapse a telescopic squid gaff?
Once the squid is securely supported, progressively shorten the pole during the landing. Keep control with one hand before moving the other, and follow the section-release method for your model.
Can I swing the squid over a pier railing?
Do not swing a squid in on a fully extended gaff. Keep the lift vertical, shorten the pole, and bring the catch inward only once it is close, controlled and clear of the rail.
Should I use a gaff for a squid I will release?
No. Use a suitable landing net that reaches the water. A gaff can puncture the squid and is for a catch you intend to retain.
Is a 3.9m squid gaff long enough?
Only if it comfortably reaches the squid from a stable position at the water level you will fish. Account for low tide, railings and the angle to the water; nominal pole length is not the same as usable vertical reach.
Continue the lesson
- Choosing gaff length and comparing landing tools
- When to strike when squid fishing
- Flinders Pier squid fishing guide
Remember: lead it flat, lift vertically, shorten progressively, then bring the squid in close.