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Is Boat Squid Fishing (Eging) in Singapore Possible?
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| We should have continued scooping squid until morning! |
Can you go squid fishing in Singapore like the tourist boats in Vietnam, Thailand and other parts of Asia?
I know the question sounds slightly clickbait, but I have always wondered whether a simple tourist-style squid fishing charter could work in Singapore.
I am not referring to technical eging with specialised Japanese squid jigs and aggressive rod work. I mean the relaxed tourist version where anglers head out for a few hours, lower a handline or simple squid jig and wait for the squid to arrive.
Based on our night fishing experiences, it may be possible when the local squid season and sea conditions are favourable.
Singapore Squid Fishing Trip Details
Fishing area: Tuas and Singapore offshore waters
Trip period: March 2022
Fishing time: Night
Squid catch: Approximately 7kg in a few hours
Local squid names: Chomek and torak
Other catches: Prawns, beltfish, golden snapper, kaci and teeboon
Method: Attracting and scooping squid around a light source
Trip period: March 2022
Fishing time: Night
Squid catch: Approximately 7kg in a few hours
Local squid names: Chomek and torak
Other catches: Prawns, beltfish, golden snapper, kaci and teeboon
Method: Attracting and scooping squid around a light source
When Is Squid Season in Singapore?
Based on our fishing experience, larger numbers of squid are sometimes encountered in Singapore waters between approximately November and April.
This should not be treated as a guaranteed annual season. Squid numbers can change according to water conditions, weather, currents, food availability and other environmental factors.
The waters around Tuas have occasionally produced good numbers of squid for us. We usually encounter them while collecting live bait for night fishing trips targeting golden snapper.
Where squid gather, larger predators may also appear. We have sometimes associated periods of high squid activity with the presence of large groupers, locally known as gao tun, although every trip is different.
Squid Jigging vs Scooping Squid
Squid can be targeted using several methods. Eging involves casting and working a squid jig through the water, while handline squid fishing uses a simpler vertical presentation.
During this trip, scooping was the most effective method because the squid gathered near the boat and light source.
- Eging: Casting and retrieving a specialised squid jig.
- Handline squid fishing: Lowering and working a squid jig vertically.
- Squid scooping: Using a net when squid approach the surface near the boat.
Always keep hands away from hooks, squid beaks and other sharp equipment. Do not lean dangerously over the side of the boat while trying to reach a squid.
Our 7kg Tuas Squid Catch
These thoughts came back to me during a March 2022 offshore night fishing trip. The squid activity was in full swing and we managed to scoop approximately 7kg in just a few hours.
The containers began filling quickly. We even scooped a few beltfish, also known as hairtail, that appeared near the boat.
Our main mistake was stopping the squid collection too early. The subsequent fishing was not particularly productive and we did not catch many fish.
Perhaps the fish were less interested in our bait because so much natural food was already available. Or perhaps the bite was simply poor. Either way, we should have continued with the squid.
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| The squid containers were filling quickly. |
What Are Chomek and Torak Squid?
Local anglers may use names such as chomek and torak when referring to different squid encountered in Singapore waters.
During our trip, the smaller squid were generally called chomek, while the larger and more elongated squid were referred to as torak.
The torak were surprisingly bold and approached very close to the boat. A few came near enough to be collected without much resistance.
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| The smaller squid were generally called chomek, while the larger and longer ones were known as torak. |
How We Stored the Squid
Simple containers were used to hold the squid temporarily. Suitable containers should be stable, easy to clean and large enough to prevent overcrowding.
If the squid are intended for the table, chill them promptly and maintain good food hygiene. If they are being kept alive as bait, suitable aeration and water quality may be required.
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| Our highly sophisticated squid containers. |
Bonus Prawns During the Squid Session
A few ang ka hei, or red-legged prawns, also drifted past the boat and were scooped.
One was cooked immediately with a torch and landed in my stomach. How could I resist?
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| An ang ka hei drifted past and was scooped. This one was torched on the spot and landed in my stomach. |
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| How could I resist? |
Golden Snapper and Other Fishing Catches
Although the main fishing session was relatively slow, we still landed a beautiful golden snapper.
Other catches included kaci and teeboon, but the golden snapper was the most photogenic fish of the trip.
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| A beautiful golden snapper from Singapore waters. |
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| We also caught kaci and teeboon, but only this golden snapper was photo-worthy. |
Cooking Fresh Squid at Sea
After the fishing came our own version of Squid Game. Some of the fresh squid went straight into sotong mee.
Fresh squid requires very little complicated preparation. The key is to clean it properly and avoid overcooking it until it becomes tough.
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| Sotong mee made with freshly caught squid. |
Watch Our Singapore Squid Game Video
We caught some baby squid and became inspired by Squid Game. Watch the cooking video below:
Watch our fresh squid cooking video on TikTok
Could Singapore Have Tourist Squid Fishing Charters?
A simple tourist-style squid fishing charter in Singapore remains an interesting idea.
The experience could involve a short night boat trip, simple handlines or squid jigs, basic instruction and cooking the fresh catch onboard. However, any viable charter would depend on seasonal squid activity, licensed commercial arrangements, suitable equipment and safe operating conditions.
Squid numbers are unpredictable, so it would be difficult to offer the experience throughout the year. It may work better as an occasional seasonal activity when operators observe strong squid activity.
Future bucket list, perhaps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Squid Fishing in Singapore
Can you catch squid in Singapore?
Yes. Squid can be encountered in Singapore waters, particularly during some night fishing trips. Catch numbers vary significantly according to conditions and season.
When is the best time for squid fishing in Singapore?
Based on our experience, squid activity may increase between approximately November and April. This is only a general observation and not a guaranteed annual season.
Where can squid be found in Singapore?
We have encountered good numbers around Tuas and during offshore night fishing trips. Exact locations may change as squid follow food, currents and suitable water conditions.
What is chomek?
Chomek is a local name used by some anglers for smaller squid encountered in Singapore waters. Local names and their usage may differ between fishing groups.
What is torak squid?
Torak is another local name used for larger or more elongated squid. The exact usage may vary among anglers.
Can squid be used as fishing bait?
Yes. Fresh or live squid is commonly used as bait for offshore fishing. Handle live bait carefully and follow the boat operator’s instructions.
Final Thoughts
Our March 2022 trip proved that squid fishing in Singapore can be surprisingly productive when the conditions align. Scooping approximately 7kg in a few hours was more memorable than the subsequent fishing session.
We also encountered prawns, beltfish and several fish species before finishing the trip with fresh sotong mee.
If the squid activity ever becomes predictable enough, a simple seasonal squid fishing charter for tourists could be an enjoyable addition to Singapore’s offshore fishing scene.
Until then, we should have continued scooping until morning.
Tight lines and stay hooked on Baktao!
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