Sabiki Rigs

Summer’s here and water temperatures are climbing through the 80⁰F range, even hitting 90⁰. Large schools of bass, white perch, cats, hybrids, and stripers form close to deep water along main river and major creek channels in local reservoirs. They’ve historically been targeted using live baits on down rods, by trolling deep running artificial lures or umbrella rigs, or by vertical jigging with weighted spoons or lead jigs of various types. As white perch populations in our local reservoirs have grown, a relatively new but productive technique has become established.

If you’re looking to put a lot of fish in the boat quickly, or to entertain young anglers during their summer school vacation, don’t overlook sabiki rigs as an effective tool in your tackle box. Most anglers first encounter sabiki rigs, aka fish skin rigs, when catching bait on saltwater excursions. Because of this bait catching reputation, many fishermen disdain their use in our lakes, at least initially.

Sabiki rigs began working their way inland as central and western NC reservoir anglers adapted them to perch fishing. They can also be effective when catching large herring that are too deep to reach with a cast net. The rigs are designed to mimic small bait fish or shrimp and are very effective when jigged vertically. They can also be trolled, or just hung over the side of the boat when the hull’s rocking from wind or wave action.

A weight is needed on the bottom of the rig. Trolling weights or snake weights are preferable for trolling but a weighted spoon or jig is more effective when yo-yo jigging, and will attract larger predators. A small minnow or piece of cut bait on the jigging spoon hook makes the rig even more attractive to fish. A scented bait spray or gel applied to the jig and the sabiki hooks can help too.

Through increased use in recent summers, I’ve reached a few conclusions concerning sabiki rigs that have benefited my anglers, and will hopefully help our readers too.

Many local shops stock the smallest size hooks/rigs that they can get. Sizes 4 or 6 are common. These certainly catch fish, but the main line and dropper leaders are made of light line ( 6-12# test), which is prone to tangling and breakage. Though less visible than heavier lines, light lines and hooks may not be adequate for landing larger bass, catfish or stripers, especially by inexperienced anglers. By design, the lighter rigs require more frequent repair or replacement – good for the manufacturer but not for our pocket books.

I find that the larger size rigs – sizes 8, 10, and 12 are as effective on all sizes of perch. Some of these sizes contain a streamer type “fly” in lieu of the standard fish skin hook. These flies attract more and larger top predators. My anglers have boated many big bass, stripers, hybrids, catfish, and crappie on the larger flies.

Underestimating the ability of these rigs in conjunction with jigging spoons (3/4-1 oz.) to catch top predators is a mistake. Don’t get complacent when jigging over a school of perch. I’ve seen numerous instances when catfish up to 45 lbs., large stripers, plus big largemouth and spotted bass have been caught on the jigs.

As a final tip, if large schools of white perch are present, and you’re jigging up small to medium size fish, but you’re not using them as live bait, you’re missing one of the perch’s primary benefits. Fish them on a weighted Carolina rig with 2/0 – 3/0 circle hooks. Stage them from down near the bottom up to the middle of the water column. My anglers and friends have boated some of the biggest bass, stripers, and catfish that I’ve seen on Lake Norman using white perch as baits. These perch are also useful as small cut baits to tip the jigging spoons, or as filets or larger cut baits for cats or stripers.

Set aside any negative connotations you might have for sabiki rigs and give them a try. The local white perch populations can certainly stand more pressure. But remain mindful of the creel and size regulations for other gamefish you might catch. Small hybrids and stripers can easily be mistaken for perch without careful inspection. If the local bait shop can’t or won’t supply you with the larger sizes, find them online and use them. There may be times when the smaller size hooks and line are needed, but I think you’ll be pleased with the performance of the heavier rigs. Fish On!