Where are the squid (Mordialloc)

[Sneaky1]

Been yakking out from Mordi since Sept, over a dozen times so far - been hitting the spots where last year I used to get them.
Nothing. As in - just one squid since Sept.
I know they've dredged part of the beach and the channel but surely that wouldn't scare them off?
Anyone else having "squid shortage" on this side around the area?

[ducky]

I've noticed a big squid shortage over the past couple of years in both bays.

They are still there but the frequency of catching good numbers has reduced significantly.

[Andrews]

Squid have been slow land-based on the Bellarine side

[gregmaka]

I went to Saint Leonards Thursday night 9pm to midnight,so many rods in the water,and people Squid jigging ,and only seen 3 squid caught including the bigger model that i caught using a Silver Whiting instead of a jig, 5 minutes before i left. Water was clear, conditions felt fantastic with a nice warmish wind .Someone fishing next to me told me that there were Bangos around all day, maybe that is why the Squid weren't biting. Andrews would have a better explanation.I wonder how Queenscliff has been doing.

[ducky]

Related to the increase in both kings and tuna perhaps?

Just spitballing.

[Sneaky1]

I'll try again tmrw - smaller jigs & diff colours (yak drift).

[Sneaky1]

I'll try again tmrw - smaller jigs & diff colours (yak drift).

Gave up on squid after a while this morning, pedalled towards Black Rock to try for pinkies - got two big Snooks instead.
Hmmm.

[Andrews]

Yeah, that's what I've been experiencing too. Just all round poor squid activity at St Leonard's.
Initially I blamed the frequency of easterly winds, one e wind makes for half a week of dirty water - then it was the fishing pressure over the holidays - and the squidding has yet to improve. There is a little bit of new ink of the pier, but nothing compared to previous years. Friends have also been struggling.

There are a few fingerling squids around though, so hopefully a good spawn.

Queenscliff has been slow from what I'm hearing, but you never know!

[Longbombs]

Related to the increase in both kings and tuna perhaps?

Just spitballing.

Tuna and kings are mostly outside the bay, not where the majority of squid are. It can't be increased predation.

It will be to do with a change in water quality and/or salinity, alongside a changing and environment.

2022 was very wet. The whole eastern side down to Carrum was chocolate for 1-2 months. Squid notoriously dislike dirty water.

This then changes the environment, especially vegetation and like on reefs (e.g. black rock reefs) which changes squid success.