Fishing Tackle: What Do You Know about Sabiki Rig?

Sabiki means "to catch bait" in Japanese. A sabiki rig is a string of fishing lures connected together onto a single leader, it consists of any number (usually between 6 and 10) of small fishing hooks, each one on individual dropper lines which are a few inches long. The individual dropper lines are then tied to a longer leader in series, about 6 inches (15 cm) apart; a weight is tied to the end of the leader. The individual hooks are decorated as lures or tied like flies similar to those used in fly fishing. Sabiki rigs are very effective for catching threadfin herring -- the best tarpon bait.

How Sabiki rig works?

The hooks connected to the main leader of the sabiki are made from tiny gold (usually but not always) hooks. The hooks are covered with foil or Mylar plastic clipped with scissors we think so they're the shape of a tiny fish. Some very effective varieties are impregnated with fish or shrimp and some are even made from fish skin. Sabikis are a proven, effective, and simple way to catch bait. Many experienced anglers prefer sabiki rigs instead of cast nets because the baits are less injured and usually stay alive longer and are much livelier. Some very effective varieties are impregnated with fish or shrimp and some are even made from fish skin.

In short, a sabiki is a lure for baitfish, and one that's perfect for catching tarpon bait. They come in different sizes for different sized baits. We're talking about small ones used for small baitfish and large ones used for larger baitfish.

At the bottom of the main leader is a clip. The clip can be opened so you can connect the bottom of the leader to what is called a "Bell" sinker (Bell lead) or a pyramid sinker. On the other (top) end of the leader is a small barrel swivel. You tie your leader to the empty ring at the top of the sabiki rig, and lead to the bottom. We also use "Teardrop" sinkers, "Bank Sinkers, and if you're in really deep water, what's called a "Disk" sinker.

How to catch fish with sabiki rig?

Experienced anglers always summarized the process of sabiki fishing into 5 steps:

First of all, you should find the school of the fish you want to catch. It is possible to catch some fish if you don’t find the school, but it will not be as productive.

Secondly, the sabiki rig is then lowed into the water. A simple jigging motion will make the small jigs dance and attract the bait to the jigs.

Thirdly, you should feel a slight tap as bait fish bite the jigs. It is possible to catch several fish at once. Reel up the sabiki rig and remove the bait from the hook and place in your bait container.

Then, continue jigging the sabiki rig till you have caught as much fresh bait as required.

Finally, catch the fish you want.

What should you pay attention to?

The shadow of your Kayak naturally attracts bait fish! Sit in one spot for a little while, drop the sabiki on!

The Sabiki rig can be cast a good distance without foul… and you can easily hit a bait ball 20 yards away. Stop your bail as soon as the weight hits the water. This keeps your line of sabiki flies from stacking up and becoming tangled. Reel in as soon as you get hit.

Once you feel that first bite, keep pressure on the fishing line! You can keep it in the water for a few seconds trying to get that stringer full… but don’t do it for too long. Struggling bait fish will tangle up a sabiki (especially with a lighter weight).