Scientific name: Ammodytes tobianus
In this blog we primarily are talking about the smaller Ammodytes tobianus – Lesser Sandeel as seen in the Fishin Addict Sandeel Fly Collection. As you see in the pic this lure is extremely lifelike and would be an ideal fishing lure choice to run over large sandy areas with pinnacles of rocks in between.
Appearance
Ammodytes tobianus – Lesser. The most common inshore variety. Species vary in size but rarely exceeds 20cms in length. Elongated body with pointed head and mouth. Long dorsal fin which runs two-thirds of the length of the body, with anal fin running one third. Upper body can range in colour from yellowish to black or grey/green. Flanks and underside are white. Chevron pattern can be present on the belly.
Locating Sandeel Hotspots
They favour shallow inshore waters over sandy seabeds and can be found around beaches, estuaries, harbours and piers. All around the UK and Northern Europe as far as Iceland, over sandy and light shingle seabeds. Lesser sandeel stay close to the shore and are rarely found in water more than twenty metres deep. Harbour, estuaries and sheltered bays often hold lesser sandeel.
Misconception
“Sand eel” actually covers a whole load of different small fish species, all in the sand lance family. Despite their name, sandeels are not true eels and are in fact fish species. For this reason, sand lance (or launce) is an alternative name for this species. However, sandeel seems to have stuck and is the name that is widely used by anglers and the general public today.
Habits Understanding the Sandeel Species
Lesser sandeels are the much more numerous cousin of the greater sandeel. They feed by hunting very small fish and plankton mainly copepods, a type of tiny planktonic crustacean. Sandeel swim in large shoals and move around feeding from the onset of dusk, although at certain times of the year they may feed during the day. Lesser sandeels prefers shallow, intertidal waters down to 20 meters. Sandeels are creatures of habit, often returning year after year to favourite haunts.
During winter hibernation, to escape predators or when not feeding sandeel will burrow down to depths of up to 50cm into the sand and sediment of the seabed – hence the name sandeel.
Seasons
September to April. Sandeels mainly associated with summer fishing and do disappear from the estuary environment during late autumn returning around late April or early May. Even when the sea is at it’s coldest January and February one can find them along the shallow surf beaches.
What sandeel catches
A wide variety can be caught on sandeel. From bass and flounders in estuaries to a range of rays, pollack and wrasse from shoreline. But even dogfish and bigger whiting.
Fishing Techniques
Set up your gear and cast your line into promising locations. Allow the lure to rest then use a slow to moderate straight retrieve periodically slink it slowly giving it slight movements to attract the predatory fish. If you are traveling through feeding bass, and you not getting any strikes, drop the speed even further.
Consider sandeels seldom swim alone as they appear in clusters and fish often feed on these by the mouthful. Try fish two sandeel imitations at a time, by tying one to the bend of the other and fishing them in tandem. A deadly technique. However you fish it, you’re sure to find the Fishin Addict Sandeel a great addition to your arsenal of flies.
Fishing with imitation sandeel offers wonderful fishing opportunity for anglers of all levels. Armed with the right knowledge, gear, and techniques, you can increase your chances of landing a superb fish while enjoying the great british outdoor coastal waters. So, pack your gear, head to the nearest shorelinem, harbour or estuary, and get ready for an unforgettable fishing experience right here in the heart of the United Kingdom.
This article was brought to you by Fishin Addict fishing lure experts.