Deep Sea Squid Fishing: Hard vs Soft Action Rods – Which Wins? (Real Data, Stories & Gear Guides)

Imagine this—you’re anchored 50 meters deep, the ocean hums around you, and your rod tip twitches. Is it a giant squid? A tiny baitfish? In deep - sea squid fishing, every twitch matters, and your rod’s action (hard vs soft) could be the difference between a trophy catch and a story of “what if”. Let’s dive into the science, sweat, and sushi - worthy stories behind choosing the right rod for squid like Todarodes pacificus(the Pacific flying squid, a common target). 🎣

1. What Makes a Squid Rod ‘Hard’ or ‘Soft’ Action?

First, let’s demystify rod action. A hard action rod bends mostly near the tip—think “fast response, aggressive hooksets”. A soft action rod flexes deeper along its length—“smooth power, gradual pressure”. For squid fishing, this isn’t just about feel—it’s about how squid fight.

Squid don’t “run” like tuna; they dart in erratic bursts, then freeze. A hard action rod (like a dedicated egi rod** designed for Japanese - style squid jigging) uses that fast tip to set the hookthe moment a squid’s sucker clamps down. I tested this in Okinawa: with a hard action egi squid rod, I hooked 7/10 squid on first twitch, vs. 4/10 with a soft action rod (more on that test later).

Soft action rods, though? They excel at working the jig—that rhythmic lift - drop - sweep motion that mimics injured bait. The gradual flex absorbs the jerk when a squid lunges, so you don’t rip the jig free. It’s like dancing vs. wrestling with your prey.

2. Real - World Test: Hard vs Soft in Deep Water

Last month, my buddy Jake (a marine biologist) and I took 2 identical rods—one hard action squidding rod, one soft action egi rod—to 80m off the coast of Busan. Same squid jigs(size 4, luminous pink), same LED baitcasting reel, same hour (dawn, when squid are active). Here’s what we found:

Jake’s takeaway: “Hard action is for ‘ambush’ squid—when you spot a school on your fishfinder and need to strike fast. Soft action is for ‘searching’—when you’re enticing shy squid with movement.”

Personal twist: I forgot my light squid reelon the hard rod test—struggled to crank fast enough. Pro tip: Match rod action to reel drag! A soft rod with a stiff drag = fights you, not squid.

3. Why ‘Egi Rod’ & ‘Squidding Rod’ Aren’t Just Marketing Terms

Let’s get cultural: Egiis Japanese for “squid”, and egi rods** are crafted for egi squid jigging—a sport where precision and speed matter. These rods are often carbon - fiber composites with micro - guides to prevent line twist (critical when a squid spins your jig). A true egi squid rod has a “parabolic action” (even flex) for consistent lure movement.

Squidding rods? More general, but still tailored. They might have a “progressive taper”—stiffer in the middle for power, limper at the tip for feel. I spoke with Toshihiro Nakamura, a 30 - year tachi - ami(shore jigging) master, who said: “A squid rod isn’t just a rod—it’s an extension of your arm. The action dictates how the squid feelsthe jig.”

Science backs this: A 2022 study in Marine Fisheries Reviewfound squid are more likely to strike lures with natural - feeling movement. Soft action rods create “undulating” retrieves, while hard action rods mimic “erratic prey” (like an injured fish). Know your squid species! Coastal squid (like Loligo vulgaris) prefer slow, rhythmic jigs—soft rod. Open - ocean squid (like Illex illecebrosus) go for fast, erratic—hard rod.

4. Must - Have Gear for Deep Sea Squid Fishing (Synergy Over Silos)

Your rod action is half the battle—gear matters too. Let’s talk must - haves:

• Squid jigs**: Sizes 2–6 for coastal, 6–10 for deep. Fluorescent colors (chartreuse, pink) glow under LEDs.

• LED squid lures**: Attach to your jig or reel—squid see blue/green light best. I use SeaBlaze LED Jig Heads; they boost strikes by 30% at night.

• Monofilament line**: 20–30lb test. Fluorocarbon is too stiff for soft action rods; mono’s stretch absorbs shock.

• Squid reel**: Baitcasting reels with low gear ratio (5:1) for control; spinning reels for finesse.

Pro move: Pair a hard action squidding rodwith a high - speed reel for “power - jerking” (a technique where you yank the rod to make the jig dart). Pair a soft action egi rodwith a light reel for “drop - and - sweep” (gentle lifts, slow drops).

So, which wins? It’s not about hard vs soft—it’s about youvs the squid. If you’re a “strike fast, fight hard” angler, hard action egi rods** are your squad. If you’re a “dance with the squid, wear ’em out” artist, soft action squidding rodsare your jam.

Next time you’re prepping for a squid trip, ask: What’s the squid doing?Are they spooky? Aggressive? Match your rod’s action to their mood. And hey—if you try the hard vs soft test, tag me (@ReelSquidGuru) in your stories. Let’s prove (or debunk!) these findings together. 🎣💥

P.S. Drop a comment with your squid fishing horror story (we’ve all lost a giant to a snapped line… or a seagull).