サビキ（下カゴ）

Basic Structure of the Rig

• Rod and Reel: A strong lure rod, a 4m-class surf rod (2–3号), or a casting rod (10–15号) paired with a 2500–3000 size spinning reel spooled with 2–3号 nylon line is standard.
• Sabiki Rig (Hooks): A rig with many hooks attached to a single main line. Each hook is wrapped with artificial bait such as skin or fish skin to make fish mistake it for real food.
• Chum Basket: A basket used to hold ami-ebi (chum) to attract fish. There are two types: an “upper basket” attached to the top of the rig, and a “lower basket” integrated with the weight and attached to the bottom. Using a rocket-style basket allows you to deliver chum precisely to deeper layers.
• Weight: Attached to the bottom of the rig to help it sink straight down (in the case of a lower-basket type, the basket itself also functions as the weight).

Fishing Procedure

1. Preparation: Attach the reel to the rod and thread the line through the guides. Connect the rig to the end of the line using a snap, then extend the rod.
2. Baiting: Fill the basket with ami-ebi (chum). Using chopsticks or a spoon keeps your hands clean and makes the process easier. Avoid overfilling—about 80% full and loosely packed is ideal, as too much chum makes it harder to release.
3. Dropping the Rig: Open the bail, hold the line with your index finger, and drop the rig at your feet. Once it sinks to the depth where fish are present, close the bail.
4. Luring: Swing the rod widely to release chum from the basket. Imagine the sabiki hooks blending into the scattered chum and wait.
5. Bite and Landing: When the rod tip trembles or the float sinks, it’s a sign of a bite. Fish like horse mackerel have delicate mouths, so reel them in slowly at a steady pace.
6. Removing the Hook: When removing the fish, hold the weight or basket instead of the fish itself to avoid accidentally getting hooked.