Sabiki Rigs & Rods

Which sabiki for which bait

Owner and Ahi USA number their hooks the usual way, so a #4 is bigger than a #12. For mackerel, go to the larger sizes: Owner's #4 and #6 rigs, the Owner Squid Skirt and Bluerunner squid rigs, and the Ahi USA Micro Squid in #2 and 1/0. The #10 to #14 rigs are for sardines, anchovies and other small bait.

Some of the larger rigs without rubber skirts catch mackerel well too, the Owner Gold Dancing Sabiki in particular. Its flattened gold hooks flutter as the rig sinks. Hayabusa ties its rigs heavier than most, on 30 to 40 lb main line.

Rigs that fish more than once

Ahi USA ties its rigs with ball-bearing and crane swivels to cut line twist, plus green glow and red flash beads, six hooks to a rig. Look after one like a lure and it will make bait on more than one trip. Owner's range adds mackerel skin and white fish skin rigs.

The sabiki rod

A used sabiki is awkward to put away: six feet or so of main line, the droppers and several bare hooks. The Ahi USA Sabiki Bait Catcher Rod stows the whole rig inside its hollow shaft, so it stays tangle free and is ready the next time bait shows up. It breaks down into three pieces, comes in 7 and 8 ft, and the length keeps the rig away from the boat and other anglers' lines.

It takes rigs up to size 4, works with spinning, baitcasting or conventional reels, and has a capped gimbal butt.

Not sure which rig fits the bait you're after? Call the shop at (714) 840-4500.