Catching Squid at Lorne Pier: A Snapshot of Coastal Magic

If you’ve ever taken the winding drive along Victoria’s iconic Great Ocean Road, you’ve likely passed through the charming coastal town of Lorne. Nestled between the rolling hills of the Otways and the expansive Southern Ocean, Lorne is a magnet for beach lovers, surfers, and foodies... but there’s another quieter thrill that locals and visitors alike share: squid fishing from Lorne Pier. Recently, a photo captured shown the essence of this local pastime, myself as an amateur angler, silhouetted against the golden hues of a fading sun, holding up a freshly caught squid as waves lapped gently against the pier's pylons. It’s the kind of shot that feels timeless: salt in the air, the rhythmic sound of casting lines, and a sense of satisfaction that only comes from catching your own dinner. Stretching confidently into the Southern Ocean, Lorne Pier is a hub of activity year-round. In summer, it's buzzing with tourists, kids dropping crab nets, and the scent of fish and chips from the nearby kiosk. But for the seasoned squid fishers, the cooler months are prime time. Autumn and winter bring clearer waters, ideal for spotting the telltale shimmer of squid close to shore. Squid or “calamari” as they're often referred to when they hit the pan, are abundant around the pier, especially at dusk and dawn. Anglers cast jigs with precision, mimicking the movement of small fish to entice these intelligent cephalopods. It’s a mix of skill, patience, and a bit of luck. And when that luck hits (as you can see with my catch in the photo) the reward is instant... squid jets out of the water in a flash of silver and ink. What makes squid fishing at Lorne Pier special isn’t just the thrill of the catch. It’s the people you meet... the quiet nods between strangers sharing a spot, the shared excitement when someone lands a big one, and the peaceful solitude of staring out at the endless blue. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just passing through with a rod in the back of your car, casting a line off Lorne Pier connects you with a deeper rhythm of the coast. And sometimes, if you’re lucky, you might just snap the perfect photo... a frozen moment of a tradition that ties locals and travelers together, one squid at a time. #travel #greatoceanroad #squid #lorne #lornepier