01Why night trips are risky and basic principles

Targeting spear squid at night makes it difficult to accurately gauge currents and tides, greatly increasing the risk of accidents. In particular, the waters around Jeju and Geoje experience rapid current shifts and limited visibility within two hours after sunset, leading to frequent onboard seasickness and collision incidents.

According to the tide tables of the Korea Hydrographic and Oceanographic Agency, the average sunset time in the South Sea region in July is 19:30, and the two‑hour window around sunset (17:00–21:00) experiences the strongest current fluctuations.

Therefore, before heading out, you must check the ‘current forecast’ and equip safety gear (life jacket, rescue rope, satellite phone).

⚠ Common Mistakes
  1. Ignoring the current forecast and heading out
  2. Only turning on lights at night while neglecting position checks
  3. Overusing medication to prevent onboard seasickness

02Why the Omorig rig is suitable for night fishing

With Omorig, the sinker drops first, quickly anchoring at the target depth, while a 1–1.5 m leader bearing a soft bait drifts naturally with the current. This configuration makes the bait’s movement distinct against the water ripple even when visual cues are limited at night, enhancing its ability to attract spear squid.

Sinker size
15·20·25·30 (≈75–110 g)
Soft bait size
2.5–4.5 (South Sea 2.5–4.0, Jeju 3.0–4.5)
Main line
PE 0.6–1.2
Leader
Fluorocarbon 12–20 lb, 1–1.5 m
Southwest Jeju
Jeju coast 30–70 km
60–120m
July night
Geoje South Sea
Geoje·Tongyeong offshore
70–130m
July night
Yeosu West Sea
Around Yeosu·Wando
50–110m
July night

03How to select sinker and soft bait based on water temperature, depth, and currents

The optimal water temperature for spear squid is 18–24 °C, and the July average in the South Sea region is 20–22 °C, placing it within the ideal range.

When depth is 80–120 m and currents are strong, choose a 30 (≈110 g) sinker; when currents are weak and depth is shallow, select a 15–20 (≈75–90 g) sinker to ensure stable bottom settlement.

Soft bait color varies with depth and current. In deep water with strong currents, use glow soft bait to increase visibility; in shallow water with weak currents, use natural‑colored (transparent or silver) bait to minimize spear squid wariness.

⏱ Golden time
Sunset ± 2 h
Period of peak current change when spear squid are most active
Night 22:00–24:00
Water temperature stabilizes and currents ease, optimizing bait drift
Early morning 01:00–03:00
Cooling water reduces spear squid activity; trip termination is advised

04Night trip remedies for seasickness and visual assurance

Onboard seasickness is caused by sudden waves and current shifts. When wave height is ≤1.5 m and wind speed is 5–10 m/s, take motion‑sickness bands and ginger tea; postpone the trip if waves exceed 2 m.

To secure visibility, install two LED lights over 3000 lumens and two 10 W powerful sub‑lights, arranging them symmetrically left‑right. This minimizes shadow zones and raises the chance of spear squid responding to the lights by more than 30%.

‘The key to catching spear squid at night is accurately assessing currents and water temperature, and covering the entire depth range with an Omorig rig’ – field expert, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries