Sabiki input
 

Noticed yesterday that I made a tactical error in only brining ONE sabiki rig with me when heading out of La Jolla. The first few macks just turned it into a knotted ball of crap.

So for future reference I'll bring a few.

One question though, what Lb test do you guys put on the reel you are using for your sabiki? Just curious.

I just use whatever rod and reel doesn't have a rig on it. So its either 10 lb , 40 lb, or 50lb. I don't think it really matters.

Just make sure the sinker is a least 4 ounces so it cant be wrapped by the bait.

The heavier the sinker the better. If you leave the rig after the first bite the more chances of getting more fish attacking the rig. Thus, more fish caught, yet the better possibility of a tangle.<O:p></O:p>
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On the subject of Sabiki and Kayaks, I think this is the best to use on a boat or kayak.<O:p></O:p>
http://www.ahiusa.com/ahi/Images/CatalogItems/item_RSB-800_full.jpg<O:p></O:p>
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The hollow tube allows for the safe storage of the multi-hook rigs. I bought one for pier fishing long before I bought a kayak.<O:p></O:p>
Pros-Safe and easy storage of multi-hook (Sabiki) rigs.<O:p></O:p>
Speedy use of the rig.<O:p></O:p>
Provides re-using of the same rig over and over.<O:p></O:p>
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Cons- The length of the rig is limited to the length of the tube.<O:p></O:p>
The size of the hooks is limited to the size of the tube opening.<O:p></O:p>
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The bait fishing does not require finesse setting of the hook. Even a broom handle will do the job.<O:p></O:p>
Though any type of reel can be used, it is best to use a low profile type conventional reel.<O:p></O:p>
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I have not connection to these product sales, etc. Just a satisfied user.<O:p></O:p>

use half of the sabiki then you have two. heavy sinker.

That is what I do when I fish at the Cabrillo Mole in Catalina. Reduces the chance of getting caught in the kelp in half.

When I fish on a yak I like to cut the sabiki down to 4 hooks.

I like a dedicated bait rig, on a real rod. I use the 4 hook sabiki's, with 30 lb test mainline. I like a lighter action rod with 30-50 lb braid. I think my current rod is rated 15-30 lb.

The braid is skinny in the water. This is helpful when making bait deep in the water column when there is current. It helps the bait rig stay directly under the kayak, which is ideal.

The braid is super sensitive, so you can get a feel of what the bottom is by bouncing the sinker on it. IMO I get a better feel of the bottom this method vs what i can see on the finder.

The braid also has a high breaking strength, which comes in handy when you hook a real fish while trying to make bait. I hooked a 40ish pound wsb on my bait rig yesterday. The braid gives you the ability to pull on the fish without worrying about what rig you hooked the fish on. 2 min later, I have the wsb at gaff :farmer:

I have a bait casting rig with 30lb braid i use for bait. I use sabiki's with at lest a 15 lb test. I like to put a spoon on the end or some cheap lure, that way I'm fishing even when making bait. I've caught a yellowtail, 10 lb bonita, 12lb barracuda, countless bass, rock fish, and something that almost spooled me deep inside the kelp while making bait.
Nice meeting you Wed. Maybe we'll have better luck next time. Wade.

I also have one of these. Really happy with it, quick and easy.
Or you can use whatever you chuck iron with and use the iron as a weight, maybe even catch more than bait.
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I dont have enough rod holders on my yak to keep one reserved for a sibiki rod somy bait rod doubles as the sibiki rod. Figuring I wont be fishing bait until I catch bait. Cutting the sibiki ib half is a good idea. Dealing with a few big macks while the other 4 hooks flail around is a drag. Mike

I would suggest de barbing all the sabikis. This happened to me yesterday on the water on my first bait of the day. Past the barb on my reeling hand so it cut my day short. Had to get it backed out at urgent care. It hurt worse to have to quit .http://m1334.photobucket.com/albumvi...96b50.jpg.html

I've seen this wire handle thingy that people use to just push the bait off the hook. Didn't seem like the barbs really got stuck in the fish. But, I'm sure it hurt like heck in your hand.

BTW.. anyone know what that wire thing is called? And it seems easy enough to make, I guess if I could find some kind of stainless steel wire? instead of a coat hanger wire..

Bait remover... Add a wine cork as a handlel so if floats.

Where does one get one of those? I'd love to not have to get my hands all slimey removing lizard fish from my sabiki!

That's a great pic! I think I can make these, if I can get some stainless steel wire. I may have a convenient source. :luxhello:

Stainless is good for no rust but I think spring steel would be better for holding its shape.

No, this would be very stiff SS wire, actually surgical stainless steel. Just depends on how long a piece is needed, and how much scrap I can find at work. I'll look into it, and if there is a lot, I'll make some extras for people interested. :cool: