You've just landed a couple of fresh squid. The original plan might've been to turn them into snapper bait, but before you do, there's something worth considering. Squid is one of the most underrated catches in Aussie waters. It's versatile, packed with flavour and surprisingly easy to prepare once you know the process. Whether you're chasing calamari rings, a quick stir-fry or something a little fancier, cleaning squid doesn't need to be complicated.
Here's the simple method Guesty uses to turn a freshly caught squid into a top-notch feed.
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What You'll Need
Before getting started, have the following on hand:
If you're cleaning squid on the water, standing in the shallows can make the job easier and help keep the mess under control.
Clean Your Squid in 5 Quick Steps
Fresh squid might look a bit intimidating at first, but cleaning it is surprisingly simple once you know what you're doing. Follow these five easy steps to remove the inedible bits, keep the good stuff and get the most out of your catch.
Step 1: Remove the Head
Start by firmly pinching the squid where the head meets the hood (also known as the mantle). With a steady pull, separate the head from the body. You'll immediately notice that a lot of the internal organs come away with the head, making the rest of the cleaning process much easier.
Step 2: Separate the Tentacles
The tentacles are premium eating and shouldn't go to waste. Trim the tentacles away from the longer mantle section and place them into a bucket of clean salt water while you continue working. If you're a bait hoarder (no judgement here), you can also keep some of the head sections for future snapper sessions.
Step 3: Remove the Quill and Internal Organs
Inside the squid's hood is a long, clear structure known as the quill (or cartilage). Slide your finger inside the hood and follow the quill all the way to the tip. Once you have a grip on it, pull firmly. With a bit of luck, the quill, ink sac and remaining internal organs will come out in one smooth motion. If you've done it right, you'll be left with a mostly clean hood.
Step 4: Peel Off the Wings and Skin
Next, remove the wings from either side of the hood. The wings are perfectly usable as bait, but many anglers find them a little tougher to eat than the mantle itself. As you peel the wings away, much of the outer skin will come off at the same time. This leaves you with a cleaner, whiter piece of squid that's ready for final preparation.
Step 5: Turn the Hood Inside Out
Now for the finishing touch. Using your thumb or finger, start pushing the hood inward until it turns completely inside out. This exposes any remaining bits of intestine or membrane that may still be attached. Remove anything left behind, then give the squid another thorough rinse in clean salt water.
You've now got a perfectly cleaned squid mantle ready for the kitchen.
What Can You Make with Fresh Squid?
The better question might be: what can't you make? Fresh squid is incredibly versatile and works well in everything from simple weeknight dinners to impressive seafood feasts.
Some popular options include:
Calamari Rings: Slice the hood into rings, dust lightly with flour and cook quickly over high heat.
Stir-Fried Squid: Open the mantle, score the flesh and slice into strips for a fast stir-fry.
Stuffed Squid: Fill the cleaned hood with ingredients like rice, prawns and herbs before baking or grilling.
Salt and Pepper Squid: A pub classic that tastes even better when it's made from your own catch.
If you're looking for inspiration, check out our mouth-watering Karaage Squid Recipe!
How to Tenderise Squid
Nobody likes rubbery calamari and one handy trick Guesty suggests is to use kiwifruit. Simply:
Place the squid in a container or bag.
Mash a ripe kiwifruit over the squid.
Leave it for around 3–4 hours.
Rinse thoroughly and pat dry before cooking.
The natural enzymes in kiwifruit help break down muscle fibres, resulting in more tender squid.
How to Store Fresh Squid
Keeping seafood cold and handling it properly helps maintain quality and food safety. If you're not cooking it straight away:
Place the cleaned squid on a plate or in an airtight container.
Cover and refrigerate.
Use within a couple of days for best quality.
Alternatively, freeze it for later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What parts of a squid are edible?
The mantle (hood), tentacles and fins are all edible. Many anglers prefer the mantle and tentacles for eating and use tougher sections as bait.
How do you stop squid from becoming tough when cooking?
Cook it very quickly over high heat or slowly over a long period. The chewy middle ground is where most calamari disasters happen.
What is the best lure for catching squid?
Squid jigs are specifically designed for targeting squid. Natural colours often work well in clear water, while brighter colours can be effective in dirty water or low-light conditions. Having a few different sizes and colours in your tackle box can help when the squid are being fussy.
When is the best time to catch squid in Australia?
Squid are often most active during low-light periods, making dawn, dusk and after-dark sessions particularly productive. Clear water, light winds and areas with weed beds, reef edges or seagrass flats are typically reliable places to target them.
Is fresh squid good bait?
Fresh squid is regarded as one of the best saltwater baits available. Its tough flesh stays on the hook well, releases scent and appeals to a wide variety of fish species such as snapper, mulloway and kingfish.
A freshly caught squid might start its day as bait, but with a few minutes of prep, it can easily become the hero of dinner. Clean it, slice it, stuff it, stir-fry it or turn it into crispy calamari rings. However you cook it, you'll be hard-pressed finding a fresher feed than one you've caught yourself. And that's not a bad reward for a successful day on the water.
About the author
BCFing Experts
The BCFing Experts have done more than their fair share of boating, camping, fishing, hiking, four-wheel driving and much much more! Whether you're tackling tough tracks in Tassie or chasing big barra up North, the BCFing Experts have the know-how to make your next outdoor adventure a pearler
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