Bait jig rigs represent a crucial piece of tackle for the angling world, blending the art of lure design with the science of fish behaviour. Commonly known as the Sabiki Rig, these specialised rigs are crafted to mimic the movement, appearance, and appeal of natural prey, strategically appealing to the targeted bait species you’re after. From the intricacy of their construction to the materials used, bait jigs are designed to maximise the chances of a successful catch, whether in fresh or saltwater locations.
Their variety and adaptability make them a staple in the tackle boxes of both recreational and seasoned professionals who want to catch fresh bait.
The basic setup includes: Swivel, to leader to multiple feathered hooks often with beads or fish skin and then a small sinker.
When to use this rig:
These versatile rigs can be used from boats, piers and the shore. For successful fishing, focus your efforts on areas where bait fish tend to school.
- In freshwater near rocky areas, wood debris and open areas where there are schooling fish.
- In saltwater this rig is ideal for piers, break walls, the shore, boats, natural and artificial reefs. Essentially anywhere bait fish congregate.
Best species to target with this rig:
There are numerous types of small schooling fish to target
- Popular freshwater fish include: Australian Smelt, Gudgeon, Freshwater Herring, Small Redfin Perch, Mullet and more.
- Popular saltwater fish include: Pilchards, Herring, Garfish, Yakka’s (Yellowtail Scad), Slimy Mackerel, Tommy Rough, and more.
In addition to bait fish, heavier rig setups can be used to target larger fish like Snapper, Spanish Mackerel, Bonito and other predator fish on or around reefs.
Variations of Bait Jigs
Bait Jig Hooks Rig
Sinker on one end and a swivel on the other of a 1.5 m leader with multiple bait jig hooks in between.
Small Bait Hooks Rig
Sinker on one end and a swivel on the other of a 1.5 m leader with multiple small hooks (for bait) in between.
Single Hook Rig
A 1 m leader with a small swivel or O-ring on one end a small hook on the other with a split shot sinker about 15 cm to 20 cm from the hook.
Variations of the above primarily include different types of bait jig hooks and number of hooks used.
See FAQs for more tips & details on this rig.
Tackle needed to create a Bait Jig Rig or Sabiki Rig:
Leader
Line strength should be determined based on targeted species. Leader length should be between 1 m (3.2 ft) to 1.5 m (5 ft).
Common line strength combinations include: 10 lb main leader and 6 lb branch line for smaller sized baits and up to 50 lb main leader and 30 lb branch line for larger baits or targeted sports fish.
Swivel
Size should be based on leader strength/size. Swivel break strains differ by brand. Be sure the weight matches or is slightly above leader weight.
Size 10 – 14 for lighter line, such as 3kg or less
Size 6 – 8 for thicker leader, 6 kg
Size 5 or less for heavy line, 15 kg+
Hooks
Type & size is determined by species.
Size 4 – 8 hooks for smaller bait fish such as Pilchards, Herring and Sardines
Size 10+ for larger baits fish such as Mackerel, Yakka’s and Bonito
Sinker
The general rule of thumb is lighter weight for lighter tackle. Other considerations for sinker weight include current and depth of water you are fishing.
Typical weight is between 1 – 5 ounces depending on factors above.
FAQS
What are the best techniques when using a bait jig rig?
There are 3 main techniques that are used for catching bait with bait jigs.
1. Jigging: This is the most common method which is simply dropping your rig down to the desired depth and repeatedly lifting and lowering your rig with quick jerks to mirror erratic movements of injured or scared bait.
2. Cast and Retrieving: Another common method includes casting your rig toward schooling bait fish or near structure that hold bait fish. After casting to the desired location, let your rig sink to the desired depth and then real in with and occasional twitch or jerking motion to mirror erratic movements of injured or scared bait.
3. Bottom Jigging/Bouncing: This is a variation of jigging in which you drop your rig to the bottom and bounce the sinker up and down on the sea floor.
Which colour variation and jig type is the best?
It depends on the type of bait fish you are targeting. For some of the larger types of bait like mackerel and Bonita, rigs that have a bit of flashing to them versus other rigs that are feathered. White, red, pink, green, and blue are the basic colours. Different colours work better on different days based on weather and/or what the bait fish are targeting.
Having multiple options available is best. Another great tip is to have a rig with multiple coloured jigs versus all being the same.
Do I need to bait each hook?
Bait rigs are designed to attract fish without the use of bait. Some rigs even come with scent to further attract fish. If you find that fish are not biting, you can improve your chances by adding a small bit of bait or fish skin to your hooks. Be sure not to use large chunks of baits as it will change the movement of the jig and possibly prevent solid strikes as the hook tip will be covered.
In addition to using bait with your rig, chumming can also be very effective in attracting bait fish and triggering a feeding frenzy behaviour.
How to store a Bait Jig Rig?
If you have a dedicated rod setup, simply real the swivel end of the rig up to the rod tip and then wrap the sinker end around the reel handle. Then interlock the hooks with each other so that they are not dangling around freely.
Another very popular storage technique is to use a piece of swimming pool noodle, wrap the line around the noodle and insert the hooks into it.
These are some of the more popular storage methods which also prevents tangling of the rig. When finished fishing, always rinse your rig with freshwater to extend is life.
Tips for keeping your bait fresh.
A hook remover is a valuable tool for quickly getting bait off the hook with minimal damage to the fish. This can be very important when you have a catch of 3+ fish on your line. Purchase the smaller size hook remover for bait fish to ensure quick and easy use.
What exactly is Sabiki? Is it a brand or term used to describe bait jig rigs?
It is both, the Sabiki rig originated in Japan back in late fifties. While initially associated with the Hayabusa company as the “sabiki®” brand, it has gradually become a generic term for this type of bait rig.
Other Fishing Rigs
Running Sinker Rig
Paternoster Sinker Rig
Unweighted Rig
