August is the period when webfoot octopus in the West Sea are most active, and when targeting counts, matching the rig to water temperatures of 15–20 °C and depths of 30–70 m is essential. Satisfying these conditions boosts feeding activity and greatly increases the probability of large catches.

01Basic rig components and material selection

Webfoot octopus respond sharply to small three‑dimensional lures, so use a high‑elastic carbon main line of 8–12 go to increase sensitivity, and a PE 4–6 go leader to minimize the pulling force.

Insert a 30 cm swivel between the leader and the main line to prevent tangles caused by water flow.

Main braided line
High‑elastic carbon 8–12 go
Leader
PE #4-6
Hook types
Small spear‑shaped 0.8–1.0 mm
Swivel
Stainless steel 30 cm

Choose a 0.8–1.0 mm small spear‑shaped hook to fit the webfoot octopus mouth, and attach a 1–2 mm plastic shrimp‑shaped lure to the hook tip. Let the lure pause for 1–2 seconds underwater, then move it abruptly to maximize the bait attraction effect.

02Water‑temperature, depth, and tide optimization strategy

Webfoot octopus move most actively at 15–20 °C, especially forming schools in the 40–60 m depth range. As the water warms in early to mid‑August, this zone expands, so it is advisable to explore evenly between 30–70 m by adjusting depth.

⏱ Golden time
Sunset − 2 h
Period when webfoot octopus rise to the surface and become highly active
Sunset ± 1 h
Lure naturally rises near the surface as the tide reaches its strongest
Sunrise + 2 h
For night fishing, as the pre‑dawn tide weakens, the octopus move back to deeper water

03Safety points and field tips

During boat‑based eging, the deck can be slippery; lay a rubber mat on the footboard and wear safety boots to prevent slipping. Because the hooks are sharp, wear gloves and take care to protect your fingers when changing hooks.

⚠ Common Mistakes
  1. When the hook is set too large– Webfoot octopus fail to get the hook in their mouths, causing a sharp drop in catch success.
  2. If the hook and lure are weighted too heavily and sink quickly, webfoot octopus will not approach.
West Sea, north‑western region
Ocheon · Namdang · Anmyeondo
40–70m
Mid‑August
Southern West Sea
Tongyeong·Geoje
30–60m
Early August
West Sea, eastern region
Incheon·Gunsan
35–65m
Late August

Before heading out, check the latest tide tables and weather information on the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Fisheries Information Portal, and verify local closed seasons and minimum size limits. Regulations may vary by region and year, so confirming the most recent notices before the trip is essential for safety.

04Practical application examples and expected yields

For example, on August 15 at Anmyeondo, adjusting the lure at 3–5 m depth in 30‑minute intervals starting two hours before sunset can yield an average of 15–20 webfoot octopus per hour.

These figures were obtained at a water temperature of 18 °C, depth of 45 m, and during a strong tide; results may vary with on‑site conditions.

Applying the above tips will make targeting webfoot octopus counts in the West Sea during August considerably easier. Adjust to on‑site conditions and always prioritize safety.