Loading Up Your Live Well with Sabiki Rods & Rigs

If you're a fisherman looking to catch live bait quickly and easily, a sabiki rig and rod setup is an excellent option. This specialized rod and multi-hook rig combination are designed to help you catch small baitfish like herring, sardines, pilchards, and more. Let's take a closer look at sabiki rods and rigs and how you can use them to fill your live well.

What is a Sabiki Rig?

A sabiki rig is a specialized fishing rig with multiple hooks and small lures or feathers. It is designed to mimic a school of small baitfish, making catching live bait for larger fish easier. Sabiki rigs typically have six to eight hooks, each tied to a separate branch line attached to a mainline. The hooks are usually dressed with small pieces of fish skin, feathers, or other types of bait to attract fish.

Choosing a Sabiki Rig

When selecting a sabiki rig, it's essential to choose one appropriate for the type of fish you're targeting. Different rigs are designed for different types of baitfish, so be sure to choose one that matches the species you're after. The Tsunami Guide Series Sabiki Rigs are a great example of high-quality sabiki rigs that work well for catching a variety of baitfish. These rigs come in sizes 3 through 8, with the hook size increasing as the rig size value increases. Sizes 3 through 6 rigs are tied with a 13lb test monofilament mainline and 7lb test branch lines, while size 8 rigs are tied with a 17lb test monofilament mainline and 10lb test branch line.

Using a Sabiki Rig

Using a sabiki rig is straightforward. Attach the rig to your mainline using a swivel or other type of connection. Then, add a small weight to the end of the rig to help it sink. When you're ready to fish, lower the rig into the water and let it sink to the bottom. Slowly reel in the line, keeping tension on the rig. The small lures or feathers on the hooks will attract baitfish, which will then become hooked on the individual hooks.

Choosing a Sabiki Rod

When using a sabiki rig, it's essential to have a specialized rod designed to handle the rig's unique characteristics. The Danco Sabiki 7'3" inshore spinning rod is an excellent option for a sabiki rod. This rod is designed specifically for use with a sabiki multi-hook rig, with a line inside the rod for safe storage. It features a 2-piece graphite blank with a graphite butt, tapered phenolic tip, a single aluminum oxide guide, and stainless steel reel seat hoods. The comfortable EVA grips provide a secure hold, even when wet.

Using a Sabiki Rod

When using a sabiki rod, handling the rig gently and avoiding jerky movements is essential. The sensitive tip of the rod will allow you to feel even the slightest bites, so be sure to keep the line tight and maintain a steady retrieve. When you feel a fish bite, use a smooth, sweeping motion to set the hook, being careful not to jerk the rod too hard and break the line.