Westin Sandy Andy Jig 13cm 22g | The Ultimate Sand Eel Mimic | Gerry’s Fishing

Widely regarded as the most realistic sand eel imitation ever produced, the Westin Sandy Andy is a staple in the lure boxes of serious sea anglers. This 13cm, 22g version is the “bread and butter” size for targeting predators that feast on sand eels—which, in the UK and European waters, is almost everything. From Sea Bass and Cod to Seatrout, the Sandy Andy’s profile and swimming action are so lifelike they often fool even the wariest of fish.

Lovingly hand-painted and equipped with a technical jig head, this lure is designed to stay in the water and catch fish until your arms are tired. As the Westin team says, with this on your line, “it won’t leave much time for drinking beer!”

Technical Specifications & Package Details

The 22g model is perfectly weighted for both shore casting and light boat work, providing enough “thump” to be felt through the rod while maintaining a graceful, natural descent.

Why the Sandy Andy Outperforms Standard Shads

1. Optimized Flexibility

Westin spent countless hours perfecting the “durometer” (softness) of the plastic. The Sandy Andy doesn’t just vibrate; it “snakes.” The tail kick is tight and high-frequency, perfectly mimicking the frantic escape of a real sand eel. Because the plastic is optimized for flex, the lure continues to move even on a very slow retrieve or while drifting in a current.

2. Hand-Painted Realism

In saltwater fishing, “match the hatch” is vital. The colors range from ultra-natural sand/belly patterns to high-viz “acid house” colors for murky water or low-light conditions. Because they are hand-painted, the transitions between colors are subtle and mimic the iridescent sheen of a living eel.

3. The “Two-Body” System

Saltwater predators have teeth, and soft plastics can take a beating. Westin includes a spare body in every pack. The head features a secure “keeper” that holds the body in place, but allows for a quick change if a toothy Cod or Bass manages to tear the tail.

Tactical Retrieve & Applications

• The Shore Cast: The 22g weight allows for massive casting distance on a 9ft or 10ft lure rod. Cast it out, let it hit the bottom, and use a “sink and draw” method (jigging) to search through the water column.

• The “Steady Retrieve”: Sometimes, less is more. A simple, steady wind makes the Sandy Andy look like a lone eel cruising for a burrow. This is often the most effective way to trigger a Bass strike in clear water.

• Vertical Jigging: From a boat or kayak, the 22g Sandy Andy is a fantastic lure for vertical work over reefs or wrecks. The 3D eyes and hand-painted finish look incredibly realistic when viewed from below.

• Target Species: While it is a Bass legend, don’t be surprised to pick up Cod, Pollack, Seatrout, and even the occasional Turbot when fished close to the sand.

Gerry’s “Sea Lure” Pro Tips

• Glue for Longevity: To get the absolute most out of your bodies, add a tiny drop of superglue to the lead head before sliding the soft body on. This prevents the body from being pulled down the hook shank by smaller “nuisance” fish or during a violent strike.

• Rinse After Use: The Japanese-style hooks are incredibly sharp and strong, but saltwater is relentless. Always rinse your Sandy Andy in fresh water after your session to prevent any corrosion on the hook point and to keep the hand-painted finish bright.

• The “Scent” Boost: While the Sandy Andy is visual, adding a smear of sand eel-flavored scent to the belly of the lure can help in murky water, giving the fish a chemical trail to follow to the lure.

• Store Seperately: Like most high-quality soft plastics, avoid storing different colored Sandy Andys in the same compartment for long periods, as the pigments can occasionally “bleed” into one another.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 22g head too heavy for shallow water?

In very shallow water (less than 2 meters), you will need to keep a high rod tip and a fast retrieve to prevent snagging. For shallow work, many anglers prefer a slightly faster “burn” retrieve to trigger reaction strikes.

What size hook is in the 13cm/22g model?

This model typically features a heavy-duty #3/0 or #4/0 Japanese sea hook, specifically chosen to handle the power of a “schoolie” or a double-figure Bass without bending out.

Can I buy replacement bodies separately?

Yes, replacement bodies are available if you go through both of the included ones. The heads are highly durable and can be used across dozens of bodies as long as the hook remains sharp.

Is it better for boat or shore?

It is one of the few lures that excels at both. The weight-to-length ratio makes it a casting machine from the shore, but it is heavy enough to “stay down” in a moderate tide when fished from a boat.

In the Box:

• 1 x Hand-painted Sandy Andy Lead Head

• 2 x Sandy Andy Soft Bodies (Same Color)