Keep It Simple: The Savage Gear Sandeel V2
When it comes to lure fishing for seabass, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype — expensive gear, flashy packaging, endless rigging options. But the truth is, catching bass doesn’t have to be complicated, or expensive (sorry Mick!).
I don’t claim to be a fishing expert — far from it. For me, fishing is a hobby that brings constant joy and satisfaction through the never-ending process of learning. Bass can be tricky fish to figure out, especially when you’re just starting out, but persistence and simplicity often yield the best results. The best anglers I know are the ones who keep learning and adapting. Every season teaches you something new.
People often overcomplicate things when it comes to bass fishing — obsessing over lure choice, retrieve speed, spots, tides, barometric pressure, weather patterns… the list goes on. But honestly? The most important thing is just getting out there and enjoying it.
So, when Mick asked me to write about any item in the shop, I could have chosen from a mountain of high-end gear. But my mind kept going back to the lure that started it all — the Savage Gear Sandeel.
The Lure That Started It All
The first bass I ever caught on a lure was on the original Savage Gear Sandeel — a cracking lure in its own right. But since then, Savage Gear has brought out the V2: a sleeker, more refined version with updated colours and a subtle rattle that might just be the secret to its success.
This lure is no stranger to most, but if you're just getting into bass fishing, it's one I wouldn’t be without. It’s accounted for many great fish over the years, including my personal best seabass of 70cm, which smashed the 15g khaki version on an overcast summer evening while fishing a local surf beach.
Surf Fishing Made Simple
This lure is like the Swiss army knife of soft plastics. It can be fished in almost any situation — reefs, rock marks, off the kayak — but for me, it shines in the surf.
There’s something special about this kind of fishing. You rock up to the beach, stroll down to the sea and start casting. No climbing required, no secret marks to reach. It’s accessible, fun, and a great way to find fish. It’s the kind of fishing anyone can get into — and once you know what you’re looking for, it can be seriously productive.
When it comes to surf fishing, I’ve found that the simplest approach usually works best — and the Savage Gear Sandeel V2 consistently comes out on top.
My Top Tip for Surf Success
The biggest mistake I see from newcomers? Casting straight out to sea as far as possible. While that might snag you the odd fish, it often means you’re dragging the lure back across the tide in an unnatural way. Instead, figure out which way the tide is running, then fish with it.
Bass run parallel to the beach, often right in the white water, hunting for disoriented baitfish getting tossed around in the shallows. I’ve caught bass in water barely knee deep — as long as there’s cover and movement, they’ll be there.
All that’s required in this scenario is a cast roughly 45 degrees along the shore and a steady straight retrieve. Don’t be afraid to vary the speed — try to match the pace of the tide. Feel free to add an occasional pause or twitch to make the lure flutter or kick, as this can often trigger a strike when the fish are playing hard to get.
A beautifully sandy 60cm bass, caught casting the Khaki V2 parallel to the shore
Other Scenarios
Although surf fishing is my favourite way to use this lure, I’ve had some cracking sessions with it across a range of venues — especially rocky boulder fields that offer perfect ambush spots for hungry bass.
This kind of fishing can be a bit daunting if you’re just starting out, as these areas are notorious for snags. Losing a lure or two is almost guaranteed. That’s why I prefer using soft plastics like the Sandeel V2 — they perform incredibly well and don’t break the bank when you inevitably donate one to the rocks.
These spots really come into their own in low light or when there’s a nice murky tinge to the water. Bass are opportunistic hunters and favour conditions that give them the edge. In these situations, I often reach for the white version of the V2. The bright colour, combined with the rattle, can make a huge difference in drawing attention.
The key in these marks is to work the lure with a few sharp jerks and pauses, letting it drop into the gaps between the rocks — exactly where the bass will be lying in wait, ready to pounce on anything that comes too close.
A stunning 63cm taken on the white V2 over a murky boulder bar
(this lure really does work anywhere)
My Final Thoughts
As always, simplicity and persistence are key with bass fishing. If you’re just starting out or struggling through a few blanks, don’t get disheartened — those days teach you just as much as the ones where everything clicks.
The important thing is to keep it fun. Stick with it, fish smart, and try something as reliable and affordable as the Savage Gear Sandeel V2. You might just find — like I did — that it becomes your go-to confidence lure.
