Product Review: Emeraldas Peak

By Jesse Rotin

As the chill of winter gently rolls through so do the numbers of squid that follow, especially down here in the south where I think summer literally bypassed us. There are very few periods throughout the year where squid can’t be caught but if you had to ask me, with temperatures dropping and water clearing, cephalopods go bananas! No matter why you chase squid I think we could all probably agree they’re great, whether on the plate or for bait, they just work wonders! 

New Kid on the Block 

Now I’m always keeping a close eye out for new products and when I heard that Daiwa were releasing a new range of squid jigs, I just had to get my hands on some. Daiwa have introduced two new models to the Emeraldas range, the Peak and Peak RV. Both come in two sizes and a mind-blowing array of colours just itching to be eaten by Ceph’s. The Peak RV which pretty much stands for rattle version comes to life when released into the water with a click and rattle similar to that of a fleeing prawn, which are favourites of the old squid. While on the other hand the Peak non rattle is a silent but deadly attractor and has something else up its sleeve which I’ll get to a little later.

Daiwa have smartly incorporated into these beauties a special little feature in where the body construction is more aerodynamic under the water by improved weight balance. This gives the jig less resistance as it sinks through the water, allowing them to get down even through strong current whilst holding a natural fall quite like their prey.

If you’re like me and tend to vary your retrieves on the session depending on how the squid are reacting, then these jigs with their streamline design require little effort to impart a lifelike darting action.

Out and About

In the short period of owning these jewels, they’ve brought me great success and yielded squid of all sizes plus a few decent cuttlefish which have also joined in on the action. Now we all wish we could speak fish at times and know exactly what they want, but the truth of the matter is we can’t, but we can with trial and error work out formulas and join the pieces of the puzzle. Just remember, it’s funny how often the surprise or less likely approach brings the best results. Rather than pretending I can read a squid's mind I’ll explain what I believe they’re thinking and provide some tips I’ve gathered from past experiences.

Sound travels further underwater than it does out, so in times where light is low or searching is needed to find squid, the RV shines and it is this sound, I believe, which drives them crazy especially when they’re spawning and guarding their nest away from any thieves trying to steal their babies. The RV makes more noise and can draw them in for a closer look. However, because squid are so highly sought after they can at times get pressured and become wary, meaning a more subtle approach is required. Although they can still be caught on a handful of techniques, being stealthy is by far the best in my view and this is where the Peak (non rattle) comes into its own and tempts even the wiliest of critters. Remember, baitfish don’t have clicks and sounds coming from them and swim about quietly and this is where the Peak matches that of a baitfish perfectly.

Now as I said earlier these are just theories which can quite easily be thrown out the window when things just aren’t right, however it’s a perfect way to start your mission on cephalopod’s and maybe you can work on some theories of your own along the way.

Check out the new range available, there’s some groovy colours and features to suit any angler hunting a few cephalopod’s.