DUO Bay RUF SV-80

The SV-80 runs as a fixed centre-of-gravity vibration bait tuned light so it sinks slowly, giving fine control of depth from bottom to mid-water. Its slim body produces a tight micro-vibration closer to a minnow's swim than a typical vibe, tracking true and horizontal even on a slow retrieve, without flashing anything a seabass would read as unnatural.

Suited to skinny estuary flats, harbour walls and river mouths where seabass sit over a soft bottom and a slow, controlled fall is needed to hold in the strike zone. Works through the warmer months on a dead-slow retrieve, and into cooler water when fish want a subtler presentation than a standard vibration bait offers.

Cast up-current or across structure and count it down before starting a slow, steady retrieve, pausing to let it flutter back toward bottom. Because the vibration is fine rather than aggressive, keep the retrieve unhurried and let the rod tip telegraph the tight tremor rather than working it with sharp jerks.

A light-to-medium spinning rod rated around ML, a 2500 reel, PE0.8-1 braid or 8-10 lb monofilament, and a 12-16 lb fluorocarbon leader give the SV-80 the sensitivity and control it needs at this weight and size. Balance the drag to the leader's rating, since fine wire hooks can open under sustained pressure from a bigger seabass.