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A squid daisy chain is a clever fishing rig that connects multiple squid jigs or baited hooks in a single line to attract more squid.
You can make a squid daisy chain at home with just a few basic tackle items, and it’s a fantastic way to boost your catch when squid are feeding near the surface or in a school.
The whole idea behind making a squid daisy chain is to mimic a small school of baitfish, which triggers the squid’s natural hunting instinct.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to make a squid daisy chain, the gear you’ll need, and a few expert tips to improve your success.
Let’s dive in and get that rig ready for the water.
Why You Should Make a Squid Daisy Chain
Before you start building, it helps to understand why a squid daisy chain is so effective for anglers.
Making a squid daisy chain gives you a major advantage because it presents multiple lures or baits in a tight, lifelike cluster.
When squid see a squid daisy chain moving through the water, they perceive it as a school of prey rather than a single target.
That visual trigger often causes squid to attack aggressively, especially during dawn, dusk, or night fishing sessions.
Plus, a squid daisy chain lets you cover more water and test different jig colors or sizes all at once, saving you time and increasing your odds.
1. Gather Your Tackle for the Squid Daisy Chain
To make a squid daisy chain, you’ll need a few simple items that you likely already have in your tackle box.
You’ll want a main line, which can be monofilament or braided line, rated for the squid species you’re targeting.
You’ll also need several small squid jigs, usually in bright colors like pink, orange, or glow-in-the-dark patterns.
Add some swivels, snap clips, and a small weight or sinker to help the chain sink and maintain its shape in the water.
A pair of pliers is essential for secure knots, and optionally, you can add small beads or plastic tubes between jigs to create more flash.
The exact number of jigs on your squid daisy chain will depend on local fishing regulations and your personal preference.
2. Set Up the Mainline for Your Squid Daisy Chain
Start by cutting a length of mainline that’s about three to five feet long, depending on how many jigs you plan to attach.
Tie a sturdy swivel to one end of the line; this will be your connection point to your main fishing line.
At the other end, attach a small snap clip that will hold your weight or sinker, allowing you to change weights quickly.
Lay the line flat on a clean surface, and if you’re using beads or tubes, thread them onto the line now, sliding them into position.
This setup gives you a solid foundation for building the daisy chain pattern.
3. Attach the Squid Jigs in a Daisy Chain Pattern
The core of how to make a squid daisy chain is spacing your jigs evenly along the mainline.
Begin by tying a dropper loop or using a small snap swivel to attach your first squid jig about a foot from the top swivel.
Then, measure another foot of line and attach your second jig, continuing this spacing until you’ve placed all your jigs.
You can also use a three-way swivel system for each jig, which keeps the jigs spreading out slightly, mimicking an erratic baitfish school.
Make sure each jig is tied securely so your squid daisy chain doesn’t lose a jig during a fight.
The beauty of this design is that you can customize the length and jig count based on water depth and squid activity.
4. Add Weight and Fine-Tune the Rig
Finally, clip a small sinker to the bottom snap clip of your squid daisy chain, choosing the weight based on current and depth.
A lighter weight keeps the chain near the surface, which is perfect for casting or drifting along piers.
Heavier weights are better when you need to get your squid daisy chain down deeper into the water column.
If you notice the jigs tangling, add small plastic floats or use a stiffer line to keep them separated.
Test your squid daisy chain in clear water first to see how it moves and adjust until it swims naturally.
Pro Tips for Fishing a Squid Daisy Chain
Once you know how to make a squid daisy chain, learning how to work it will make all the difference on the water.
Using a squid daisy chain effectively requires a slow, rhythmic retrieve because squid are attracted to movement, but they’re not fans of fast chasing.
A steady lift-and-drop motion with your rod tip makes the jigs dart and flutter, which mimics injured baitfish.
Jigging a squid daisy chain in short, sharp pulls followed by pauses is often the most productive action.
Look for squid activity near lights, reefs, or kelp beds, and cast your squid daisy chain into the heart of the action.
If you aren’t getting bites, change the color or size of one jig at a time to see what triggers the strike, and keep the chain moving.
1. Match the Hatch with Color Selection
When fishing a squid daisy chain, matching your jig colors to local baitfish is a smart move.
Translucent or natural tones work well in clear water, while bright neon colors shine in murky conditions or low light.
Glow-in-the-dark jigs are deadly on a squid daisy chain at night, especially when you let them rest after a glow charge.
Carry a variety of jigs so you can swap them out quickly and experiment until you find the winning combination.
2. Watch Your Line for Subtle Takes
Squid often don’t smash a jig; they grab it slowly, so you need to watch your line very carefully.
With a squid daisy chain, you might feel a slight tap or notice the line goes slack, which is a sign a squid has taken a jig.
When you see this, give a sharp upward sweep of the rod to set the hook securely.
Squid have strong arms, so once you feel the pull, reel in steady and keep tension to prevent them from releasing.
3. Keep Your Squid Daisy Chain Tangle-Free
One of the biggest challenges when you make a squid daisy chain is preventing tangles during casting.
To reduce tangles, always cast with enough weight so the chain straightens out in the air, and never whip your rod too hard.
Use a longer mono leader between jigs, as stiffer leaders like fluorocarbon tend to tangle less.
When storing your rig, wrap the squid daisy chain around a piece of foam or a tackle spool to keep it organized.
So, How Do You Make a Squid Daisy Chain?
You can make a squid daisy chain at home simply by tying multiple squid jigs along a single line with even spacing.
The best way to make a squid daisy chain is to start with a strong mainline, attach 3 to 5 jigs using dropper loops or snap swivels, and finish it with a weight at the end.
Understanding how to make a squid daisy chain isn’t complicated, but it does require attention to length, spacing, and retrieve speed.
Using a squid daisy chain gives you a versatile, effective tool that works whether you’re fishing from a jetty, boat, or shore.
Now that you know the steps, you can make a squid daisy chain tailored to your local fishing conditions and start landing more squid on your next trip.