Sandeels for sea trout

Hi guys
I've been on the forum for a while now but this is my first post i've interests in all types of fishing but mainly up to now mostly game and pike fishing.
I've recently started shore fishing for sea trout and i'm looking a few pointers.
Can anybody recommend a good rig for sandeel fishing for sea trout from the shore using spinning gear i guess a type that would suit estuary fishing?
The area that i fish has fast running water and im having a few problems keeping my bait on for any length of time it is also quite kelpy and needs to be fished reasonably shallow ie 1 to 2 feet but the problem being, keeping it light means casting distance is impaired any ideas?
Photo's of rigs would be very much appreciated
Thanks
Simon

try free lining them, using small treble hooks just hook it in the head an another above the tail.

Much appreciated but what benefit does using twin trebles have over twin singles?
I always imagined twin singles give a much better bait presentation?
As for rig? pennel type i'm assuming?

you will also need to get yourself a license to fish for sea trout. Just in case you havent got one.

Got one my friend With fishing every other weekend on the Moy come May for the Salmon, i'm well aware not to have your credentials is just plain stupid

Try a small hook with a couple of small split shots around a foot above it. Depending on depth add the float above this. A swivel below the float may help. Simplicity is key.


Fish where a stream runs into the sea, cast into the stream and freeline your bait into the beach or estuary and flet the bait out and let it come round in an arc and retrieve slowly

This worked really well for me in mayo last year, a little west of the moy estuary. A single small sandeel hooked through the eyes and this rig did the trick every time. hope this helps, good luck

What size hook?

I have found using medium Ammo Sandeels on a size 1/0 (worm hooks) on a simple ledger works very well. Use a ball lead or a pear lead 2 or 3oz. Hook the sandeel using a bait needle from the tail end and out at the gills, or passing the hook through the eyes works if your sandeel has not been in a cooler bag. I have found the many of sandeels you buy in some tackle shops that have been dug locally are not as good as Ammo because they are not blast frozen and don't last as long. Its always useful to use a bit of bait elastic otherwise the eel will slip on casting or worse come off altogether. Slow retrive with the tide, super sharp hooks reduces lost fish. Good luck.

Fresh sand eels are hard to beat but if your having trouble keeping the frozen ones on then try mackeral belly strip they can be spun very effectively and they stay on great.

My 1st post woo hoo! I think freelining (or with a few split shot) defo sounds like the right approach for shallow areas. I was wondering if a sunken small bubble float might do the trick too?

have you tryed the running ledger with swivel type weight that works well.but i just use orange type spinners had a 6lb sea trout last tuesday and loads of 1 ana 2lbers.drohedas alive at the min

Try a very small hook and let it free spool with a very light weight to cover the area