Welcome to the INKU EGI Squid Rod Review by FishingMad. I have spent countless years targeting squid. It’s an enjoyable form of fishing and a great way to source a local feed of calamari, one of my favourite things to eat in the ocean and the top bait choice when targeting snapper, gummy sharks, flathead, whiting and kingfish. Over the years, I have used just about every squid rod imaginable: Shimano Sephia range, Daiwa Emerledas range, NS range including the Blackwater and Kraken, Samurai, Rovex, Samaki, Atomics and so on. As consumers, we have some wonderful options covering a broad range of types and budgets. I do, however, feel that most squid rods brought into Australia are made by overseas markets for overseas conditions. This is evident as the majority of squid rods on the market are much longer at 8”3 or 9”0 feet and even longer in some cases where squid fishing is done predominately land-based on rock walls, piers and jetties where long casting distance is essential. However, locally in Victoria, most ( not all ) squid fishing is done from boats and kayaks in shallow reefy and weedy grounds where squid reside.
I know firsthand that using an 8”3 or 9”0 foot rod from a boat or kayak can be very awkward. I’ve always pleaded with our big fishing brands for a shorter, whippy, slow-tapered rod with a strong backbone that’s comfortable and specifically designed for squid to suit our local conditions and way of fishing. I recently got my hands on the Inku Egi Squid rod. These rods are designed locally by keen squid anglers who also share my point of view on squid rods being specifically designed for local conditions. At 7 foot 2 inches ( 7”2 ) long, these rods are shorter, which is ideal when fishing from a boat or kayak. ( They also still make a very good option for land-based fishing too ). They have a soft taper with a very flexible rod tip, perfect for squid. That way, you don’t pull squid jigs, as most anglers tend to strike when feeling an inquiry. However, there are heaps of power in the butt section of the rod, giving it a nice blend of finesse and power. It also means you still get excellent casting distance when casting squid jigs and great control when hooking a squid. The rod is also a true 2-piece, split in the middle, which makes transporting it between fishing trips so much easier. We see many one-piece rods these days, and even plenty of rods split from the butt or even ¼-3/4 splits these days, which I find very frustrating.
Watch a walkthrough of the INKU EGI Squid Rod by FishingMad.
These rods are stylish and pair well with a 2000, 2500, or 3000 size reels. I have paired mine with a Shimano Vanford 2500 and spooled it with 14lb Inku braid. The rod is very comfortable in the hand. Taking on a Split butt with shaped EVA delivered by a Fuji GL reel seat. The rod also has some other really nice features. They come with an egi keeper that’s larger and suitable for squid jigs. This stops the temptation of putting squid jigs up against the rods’ guides, which can easily be damaged. So many squid rods on the market don’t have a keeper or are far too small.
The rod is built with an x-carbon blank with spiral wrapping to give it durability and rigidity and ensure it doesn’t bow should a hooked squid or fish dart off to the side. It also has larger Fuji KW frames and tangle-free guides, which are ideally suited to this form of fishing. Now, I’m all for micro guides with my finesse fishing, but we see this often employed in squid fishing, and it just doesn’t make sense as you will always be using slightly heavier lines and leaders, larger jigs and basic knots like the good old double uni. So, the larger guides make a lot of sense.
These rods can also be used for other forms of fishing, and we have caught plenty of King George whiting, Pinky snapper, flathead, and Australian salmon with them. I have used this rod fishing in my local waters around the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas, including spots like Queenscliff, Sorrento, Werribee, and Geelong. The rod has performed well. It’s comfortable to cast all day and dialled into the form of fishing. Yes, this isn’t one of the big household name brands such as Daiwa or Shimano, but it’s a rod that’s well built, performs well, and is tuned into our local fishing conditions. It’s a squid rod you should consider next time you’re looking for a new egi outfit. These rods cost $299, which is a fair and reasonable price, and can be purchased directly from the INKU website
Stand-out features
- Designed locally by local squid fishos to match our local fishing conditions and styles.
- Shorter length ( perfect for boats and kayaks )
- True 2-piece rod ( great for travel )
- Great action, soft tip, yet plenty of power in the butt
- Large keeper perfect for squid jigs
- Rod Wrapping
- Larger guides
- Stylish appearance
- It pairs perfectly with 2000, 2500 and 3000-size reels
Thanks for reading the INKU EGI Squid Rod Review Review by FishingMad. You can follow FishingMad’s use of this product and many others by watching our weekly fishing videos here.
