Very informative thread. Very cool.
Chris, that pic of bait ball was the best one ever taken.

Credit goes to Holy Mack.
I use the leftover rod handle to stash used sabiki, that sponge. It's got a hole in the middle to push the 2 oz sinker, perfect. 50c at Squidco, lasts for years.
I must say - I only have 12 or 15# test on my sabiki rig.
Fishing for bait setup. Spinning reel, light rod. I like.
I considered something heavier, but then somehow never did switch. I use that rig to cast rubber for checkers in the kelp... when I see them boiling, I like.