Sabiki Rig Diagram & Gear List

A pre-tied string of small flasher hooks that catches live bait like anchovies and sardines, often several at once. Not for the target species itself, this is how you catch the bait for the other rigs.

Also known as: Bait Jig (AU, NZ), Mackerel Feathers (GB, IE)

Where to use it: pier, jetty, boat
Difficulty: beginner

Gear List

main Line10-15 lb monofilament
leaderPre-tied sabiki leader, 6 small hooks
leader LengthPre-tied at about 5ft total, hooks spaced 8-10in apart
hook Range#6 - #10 sabiki hooks (pre-tied)
weight TypeBank or bar sinker, 1-2oz below the rig
sinker Drop Length12-18in from the bottom of the sabiki leader to the sinker

How to tie the Sabiki Rig

Clip the top swivel of the pre-tied sabiki to the main line.
Clip a 1-2oz bank or bar sinker to the bottom snap.
Lower it into a bait school and lift and drop the rod tip gently.
Unhook bait carefully, keeping the rest of the hooks under control to avoid tangles.

When and where it works best

Around piers, harbour lights, and bait schools marked on a sounder.

Is the Sabiki Rig good for beginners?

Yes. It is rated beginner: quick to tie and forgiving to fish. Practice the connections in the knot guide, and see the Pier Rod for a matching rod.

What fish is the Sabiki Rig good for?

Pacific Bonito Vermilion Rockfish Walleye Surfperch King Mackerel Spanish Mackerel Atlantic Mackerel Skipjack Tuna

Practical starting point only. Adjust line, hook, and sinker sizes for conditions and target fish, and verify current regulations before fishing.

Common Questions

What do I need to tie a Sabiki Rig?

A 10-15 lb monofilament main line, a Pre-tied sabiki leader, 6 small hooks leader (Pre-tied at about 5ft total, hooks spaced 8-10in apart), a #6 - #10 sabiki hooks (pre-tied) hook, and a Bank or bar sinker, 1-2oz below the rig. Full gear list is above.

What is a Sabiki Rig best for?

The Sabiki Rig works best for pier, jetty, boat fishing, and is a recommended setup for Pacific Bonito, Vermilion Rockfish, Walleye Surfperch, King Mackerel. Difficulty: beginner.

Is the Sabiki Rig hard to tie?

It is rated beginner. The knot guide covers the terminal connections used across RigMyFish rigs, so you can practice each connection separately before building the full setup.