| Sabiki rigs can be used to catch bait right from the | | | | you work the rig. |
| surf. For those not familiar with them, they are a | | | | A smaller rod & reel is more suited for this light |
| special rig with six little jig flies attached. You can by | | | | setup. You cast the sabiki's right into the breakers |
| them ready made at your favorite tackle shop with a | | | | and jig it in from there. Keep your rod high as you jig |
| #4 or #6 hook for the surf. The hooks are very | | | | and reel them in. This keeps the angle of your line |
| small and sharp but just right for bait fish. It's a great | | | | more vertical in the water column. Sometimes you |
| way to catch the bait you need for surf fishing. | | | | only get one and sometimes you'll get two or three |
| Normally these rigs are used from the pier or a boat. | | | | bait fish on a cast. |
| Anglers lower them over the side and jig them up | | | | My favorite method is to use little pieces of Fishbites |
| and down to catch their bait. They are usually | | | | Bag O' Worms to tip the hooks with. Bag O' Worms |
| overlooked as a method to catch bait from the surf. | | | | work so well because they are scented with a fish |
| Casting sabikis into the surf zone only takes a little bit | | | | attractant. They are very durable and will last for |
| of practice to get good results. | | | | several casts. They attract a wide variety of |
| The rig itself is very light, so it needs a sinker | | | | saltwater species. Mullet, pin fish, croaker, Spanish |
| attached in order to cast it. You will probably want | | | | mackerel, pompano, spot, sardines, bluefish, and |
| something between 1 ounce and 3 ounces. The rigs | | | | perch all like them. |
| usually come with a clip on the bottom to attach a | | | | With a little work you can usually catch enough for |
| sinker. Use a casting sinker which has a tear drop | | | | the duration of your day surf fishing. Bring along a |
| shape and a brass loop to attach it with. These are | | | | bait bucket with an aerator and you'll be good to go. |
| smooth sinkers that will slide along the bottom as | | | | |