Yamashita
Yamashita squid jigs, made in Japan by one of the most respected names in squid fishing. Shop the Yamashita EGI-OH F Series and EGI-OH Search squid jigs in 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 sizes, in shimmer, NeonBright and glow finishes for fishing wharves, weed beds and reefs by day and night.
Browse more fishing lures and terminal tackle for squid and inshore fishing.
Ask our team which EGI-OH size suits your spot at our Grey Lynn concept store at 36 Pollen Street, or order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Yamashita Fishing Lures
About Yamashita
Yamashita is a Japanese fishing tackle maker with its own factory and a dedicated research division that studies fishing tackle and fishing methods. The brand is famous above all for its squid jigs, and its EGI-OH range is regarded by many anglers as the benchmark for squid fishing, known for its stable sinking posture, realistic action and sharp, effective jig hooks.
In Japan, squid fishing with a jig, known as eging, is a hugely popular sport, and Yamashita has been at the forefront of developing the jigs that make it work.
EGI-OH squid jigs
The EGI-OH F Series jigs are built for a natural, horizontal fall that squid find hard to resist, with a range of shimmer finishes and natural colours such as Natural Ika. The EGI-OH Search jigs feature NeonBright colours designed to stand out in a range of light and water conditions, and some Search models have a glow finish for fishing at night or in deeper, darker water.
Sizes are given in the traditional Japanese system, and we stock 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 sizes. Smaller jigs suit calm conditions, shallow water and smaller squid, while larger sizes cast further, sink faster and suit deeper water, wind and bigger squid.
Squid fishing and Yamashita at Land & Sea
In New Zealand, squid gather around wharves, weed beds, rocky points and harbours, and they are especially active around dawn, dusk and at night under lights. Cast your jig out, let it sink to near the bottom or the weed, then work it with a couple of sharp lifts of the rod before letting it fall again. Squid usually grab the jig on the fall, so watch your line closely.
At Land & Sea we stock a wide range of Yamashita squid jigs, and our team can help you pick sizes and colours for your local spots. Fresh squid also makes outstanding bait for snapper.
Frequently asked questions about Yamashita
What does EGI-OH mean on Yamashita squid jigs?
Egi is the Japanese word for a squid jig, a lure shaped like a small prawn or baitfish with a crown of fine hooks at the tail. EGI-OH is Yamashita's flagship squid jig range, and its name is often read as king of egi. EGI-OH jigs are known for a stable, natural sinking posture and realistic action, which make them a favourite with squid anglers in Japan, New Zealand and around the world.
What do the 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 sizes on EGI-OH jigs mean?
Squid jig sizes use a traditional Japanese system, with larger numbers meaning bigger, heavier jigs. A 2.0 or 2.5 jig suits calm conditions, shallow water and smaller squid around wharves and harbours. A 3.0 jig casts further, sinks faster and suits deeper water, wind and current, and bigger squid. Carrying a few sizes lets you adjust to the conditions and keep your jig working near the bottom.
When is the best time to catch squid in New Zealand?
Squid are often most active around dawn and dusk, and at night, especially under wharf lights, where baitfish gather and squid come in to feed. Calm, clear conditions are usually best. In many parts of New Zealand, squid can be caught year round, with numbers often peaking in the cooler months. Look for weed beds, rocky points and harbour structure, and fish the change of light.
Which squid jig colour works best?
There is no single best colour, so carry a few. Natural colours work well in clear water and bright light, while bright NeonBright colours and pink or orange patterns stand out in murky water and low light. Glow finishes help at night and in deeper water. Many anglers start with a natural colour by day and switch to a bright or glow jig at dusk and after dark, changing colour if the bites stop.
How do you fish a squid jig?
Cast the jig out and let it sink close to the bottom or the top of the weed, counting as it falls so you can find the same depth again. Then give the rod two or three sharp upward lifts to make the jig dart, and let it sink again on a slightly slack line. Squid usually attack as the jig falls, so watch your line for a twitch or pause and lift into the weight when you feel it.
How do I land a squid without getting inked?
When you bring a squid in, keep it pointed away from you and others, as squid squirt ink and water when lifted from the water. Lift it out smoothly, let it squirt back into the sea, then unhook it carefully from the jig's fine hooks. A small bucket or a bag helps keep the ink contained. Rinse your jigs in fresh water after use so the hooks stay sharp and do not rust.