Tackle House Feed Shallow 128 | 12.8cm 18.5g – The UK’s Cult Classic Shallow Diver

If you ask any seasoned UK bass angler to name their “Top 3” lures of all time, the Tackle House Feed Shallow 128 is almost guaranteed to be on that list. At Gerry’s Fishing, we’ve seen this lure earn a genuine cult following—championed by experts like Henry Gilbey—because it simply catches fish when others fail.

This Japanese-designed masterpiece is built for one thing: conquering shallow water. It sits in that perfect “sub-surface” zone, just deep enough to be noticed but shallow enough to skim over the snags that claim lesser lures. It’s an incredibly easy lure to fish, making it a favorite for both beginners and pros who want a reliable, high-performance tool in their box.

Why the Feed Shallow 128 is a “First Class” Lure

1. The “Awesome” Rolling Action

The magic of the Feed Shallow lies in its movement. On a slow, steady retrieve, it produces a seductive, natural rolling action. Unlike lures with an aggressive, artificial wiggle, the Feed Shallow mimics the subtle, shimmering roll of a relaxed baitfish. It doesn’t scream for attention; it coaxes strikes from wary, big bass.

2. Flat-Sided Flash

Tackle House designed the sides of this lure to be as flat as possible. This isn’t just an aesthetic choice—flat surfaces reflect more light. Combined with its iridescent, flashy finish, the Feed Shallow sends out sharp “pulses” of light as it rolls, ensuring that predators can track it even in slightly colored water or low-light conditions.

3. Effortless Casting & Handling

At 18.5g, this floating lure is perfectly weighted for “breezy” coastal conditions. It features an internal weight transfer system that allows it to punch through the wind, giving you the distance needed to reach distant gullies or reef edges without having to over-cast and lose accuracy.

Technical Specifications

Examples of Where to Use

• Rocky Gullies & Reefs: With a maximum diving depth of 50cm, you can confidently cast this over “bashed up” ground and shallow kelp beds where big bass hide.

• Night Fishing: The high-vibration rolling action and the silhouette it creates against the surface make it a top-tier choice for fishing in total darkness.

• Shallow Sandy Beaches: Perfect for working the “wash” where the waves break on the shore, a prime zone for bass hunting sandeels and sprats.

• Estuary Flats: Use it over the top of the tide as the water floods over mudflats; it will stay clear of the bottom while drawing fish in from the margins.

Gerry’s Pro Tip:

The “secret” to the Feed Shallow is the speed—or lack of it. It is at its most lethal when fished slowly. Start with a slow, constant retrieve to get that rolling action working, then add in a very occasional, gentle jerk followed by a 2-3 second pause. The lure will slowly rise during the pause, which is almost always when the bass decides to smash it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Feed Shallow 128 cast well in the wind?

Yes. For an 18.5g floating lure, it is surprisingly aerodynamic. The internal weight transfer system moves the center of gravity to the tail during the cast, preventing it from tumbling and helping it “cut” through a typical UK sea breeze.

Is it too big for smaller bass?

Not at all. While the 12.8cm profile is great for “schoolies,” it is a known “big fish” magnet. The slender profile is a perfect match for the sandeels that make up a huge part of a UK bass’s diet.

Can I fish this in rougher seas?

The Feed Shallow excels in “calm to moderate” conditions. In very heavy, crashing surf, its shallow-running nature might cause it to get “washed out” of the water. In those instances, you might want to switch to a slightly deeper diver, but for 90% of shallow-water scenarios, the Feed Shallow is the king.