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SALTWATER RIG LIBRARY

Sabiki Bait Rig

A string of tiny dressed hooks for catching live bait. Jig it gently through a school of baitfish and fill the livewell.

Best forGoggle-eye, runners, sardines, ballyhoo
WhereMarkers, reef edges, bait schools
MethodBait jigging
DifficultyEasy
Sabiki Bait Rig — Real tackle photo
Main lineTop swivelSabiki stringSinker

Rig diagram (component order)

Sabiki Bait Rig: Main line, Top swivel, Sabiki string, Sinker

Step-by-step how-to

Sabiki Bait Rig — BigJoe step-by-step graphic
BigJoe step-by-step graphic

Step-by-step build instructions

  1. 1

    Use a light rod with 10–20 lb line.

  2. 2

    Tie the main line to the sabiki’s top swivel. Leave it on the card.

  3. 3

    Unwind the string slowly. The hooks tangle easily.

  4. 4

    Clip a 1/2–2 oz sinker to the bottom snap.

  5. 5

    Drop to the depth of the bait and jig it gently.

  6. 6

    Lift the bait straight into the livewell, then wind the rig back on the card.

BigJoe Tips

  • Mind the open hooks when you lift the rig into the boat.
  • Keep the sinker light so the hooks stay near the school.
  • Move bait straight into clean, aerated water.
  • Check the rules: multi-hook rigs are limited in some areas.

Variations

  • Tip each hook with a tiny piece of squid or fish.
  • Smaller hooks (10–12) for sardines and herring.
  • Larger hooks (4–6) for goggle-eye and blue runner.
  • Use a sabiki tube to store the rig without tangles.

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Target Species

Bigeye scad (goggle-eye)Selar crumenophthalmusBlue runnerCaranx crysosBallyhooHemiramphus brasiliensisScaled herringHarengula jaguana