Description
Sidewinder Sandeels: The UKs Deadliest Jelly Lures
The Sidewinder Sandeel has earned a legendary reputation as perhaps the most effective jelly lure ever produced for UK waters. At Gerrys Fishing, we consider these an absolute must-have for any saltwater angler. Whether you are fishing from a boat over deep-water wrecks or spinning from a rocky headland, the unique fluttering action of the soft latex tail is world-renowned for triggering strikes when other lures fail.
Built with a ready-to-fish design, these lures feature internal weights and high-quality Mustad hooks, meaning you can clip them on and start fishing immediately without the need for additional jig heads.
Key Features & Engineering
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Soft Latex Construction: Unlike standard PVC plastics, the specialized latex material used by Sidewinder is incredibly supple yet surprisingly durable. This material allows for a tail flutter that is significantly more lifelike and high-frequency than many other lures on the market.
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Internal Weighting: The weight is built directly into the head of the lure, creating a streamlined, natural profile. This ensures a perfect horizontal swimming action and allows for excellent casting distance.
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Holographic Inserts: Each lure features an internal holographic foil that catches and reflects available light. This creates a realistic flash that mimics the shimmering scales of a live sandeel, a vital trigger in clear water or bright conditions.
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Mustad 32786BLN Hooks: Reliability is key when you hook into a specimen fish. Sidewinder uses genuine Mustad hooks, known for their strength, sharpness, and corrosion resistance, ensuring you have the best possible chance of landing your catch.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Details |
| Model | Sidewinder Sandeel (The Original) |
| Material | Soft, Durable Latex |
| Hook | Mustad 32786BLN |
| Internal Hardware | Lead Weight & Holographic Foil |
| Action | High-Frequency Fluttering Tail |
| Target Species | Bass, Pollack, Cod, Coalfish, and Turbot |
Available Sizes & Pack Quantities
| Size | Quantity per Pack | Primary Use |
| 4 Inches (10cm) | 4 Lures | Ideal for Shore Spinning and LRF |
| 6 Inches (15cm) | 3 Lures | The All-Rounder for Boat and Shore |
| 8 Inches (20cm) | 2 Lures | Specimen Hunting for Large Cod/Pollack |
Tactical Applications
The Sidewinder Sandeel is incredibly versatile and can be fished effectively in several ways. The Gerrys team suggests:
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The Slow Retrieve for Bass: Cast along the edges of reefs or through surf. A simple, steady retrieve allows the tail to flutter naturally. Because the weight is internal, the lure maintains a very stable path through the water.
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Wreck & Reef Jigging: From a boat, drop the lure to the bottom and wind it up 1020 turns before letting it drop again. The 6 and 8 models are the standard choice for flying collar style fishing for specimen Pollack.
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Drift Fishing: When drifting over sandbanks, let the lure bounce slowly along the bottom. The fluttering tail is irresistible to bottom-dwellers like Turbot and Brill.
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Slow Twitch: In calmer water or estuaries, a twitch and pause retrieve can mimic a wounded sandeel, often triggering a strike from a following predator during the pause.
Gerrys Verdict:
There is a reason the Sidewinder Sandeel remains the top choice for the majority of anglers in the UK. Their efficient design, realistic flash, and deadly tail action make them a high-value investment. If you want a lure that is proven to catch fish in both freshwater and saltwater, the original Sidewinder is the gold standard




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