Sabiki set up and use info. please

[Van]

I bought a cheapo used fresh water bait casting reel on ebay for 15 bucks. Loaded it up with 20 power pro and it glides out nice and smooth.

As for the techniques, what everyone said

[ecduzitgood]

Thanks, I'm headed in the right direction now. What size sabiki rigs should I carry, I have size 8 fish skin style right now but they seem too small and the 10# line too light for mackerel, they look good for herring and pogies I think; but I may be wrong.

[JackK]

I always use the biggest, heaviest ones I can find- generally the Owner ones in 20 lb or 30 lb mainline. Sz 8 or 6 hooks should be fine.

Reason being, unless you have a specific sabiki rod (that reels the rig inside of the rod itself) they tend to tangle... And it's much easier picking apart the heavier line.

Haven't found the bait to be too picky about the size of the rig- mackerel, herring, pollock, whiting all seem to hit just about anything.

[nightfighter]

Originally Posted by ecduzitgood

Thanks, I'm headed in the right direction now. What size sabiki rigs should I carry, I have size 8 fish skin style right now but they seem too small and the 10# line too light for mackerel, they look good for herring and pogies I think; but I may be wrong.

You can take pogies out of the sabiki equation. They are filter feeders. best to net or snag them. My sabikis are all on the boat, but the line is 15# I think. Always seems too light when you get a full string, but haven't had one fail due to macks. Blues will do a number on them when they hit the diamond jig though... I tell my local B&T to figure a dozen for me when he orders in January. Get a small break that way and saves me running back to grab one. They do get worn out and don't work as well when they are rusted IMO. How have you been doing with them since you first posted?

[ecduzitgood]

I haven't had a chance to fish in a month

[Rockfish9]

I like lighter line as well ( #15) I tie my own rigs using gold hooks and a little flashaboo.... I bought ( and should have made instead) one of those sabiki rods that stores the rig inside out of harms way.. it works the nuts but a piece of PVC would have acomplished the same thing.. Ilike a deadly #^&#^&#^&#^& ( with single hook) in lnsted of a diamond jig... if I need to go deeper I use a small crippled herring...

I havent fished with Macks since June... I might swim a few along the rocks this week end myself..

[beamie]

Originally Posted by nightfighter

...... They do get worn out and don't work as well when they are rusted IMO......

I find that the first thing that goes is the hook barb wrt rust. You will hook up allot but many never make it in the boat. Really s&cks when they drop off right at the boat on a day when bait is scarce.

[Sgranata73]

I like the rigs with a size six or larger hook. Check rigs often for damage, and replace often. I use a one or two oz pyramid sinker when trolling to give the rig a wiggle. Also works good for jigging as they hit on the quick drop.

Thanks, Stefano.