rigging for baitfish

How do you guys fish for baitfish and what type of hooks, line, weights, etc. do you use? Some folks told me "sabiki" but how do you rig them? and do you guys have any pointers for fishing for baitfish at Doran? Thanks in advance.

Pern

I use a sabiki and I use a large silver kastmaster as my weight works good for me

Thank you, James.. how about sabiki rods?

I've seen some amazing sabiki rods but I'm not into carting yet another rod thingy with me so I'm no help there, but in my opinion a swivel on top of a sabiki and wrap it around an object when your done for no tangles, I use a tp core works fine

Thank you, James.. how about sabiki rods?

I used a regular spinning rod for my sabiki and was always tangling the sabiki rig.  So I got a sabiki rod and that whole problem went away...BUT larger sabiki hooks get caught and do not go smoothly into the rod. 

So I end up using the spinning rig again for dines and macks, and the sabiki rod if the assumed bait is anchovy.  If I had to start again, i would not get the sabiki rod.

After a few seasons using the sabiki regularly the only thing I have changed is making sure I have several sizes of sabiki with me. sometimes the fish will just prefer a larger or a smaller size. I use a chrome torpedo weight on the end but any weight will work really.

 I usually bring a separate rod for the sabiki but it is just one of my backup rods, not a "sabiki rod".

Once I am ready to paddle in for the day I pull the sabiki off and wrap it up like James says.

Thanks for the help, guys.  I'm looking into how to catch baitfish for the sole purpose of landing a butt and or WSB (when it opens), I hear they are most effective and even moreso for WSB. 

Pern

Sorry for the late reply, but was on vacation and just catching up at work enough to browse the site.

I own a sabiki rod and would not advise going that route. First it is another rod that will probably only be used first thing in the morning and secondly the type where the sabiki rig travels down the middle of the rod are way too stiff for a good hook set. It's like trying to set the hook using a piece of galvanized pipe.

I now use a medium weight bass rod with an extra fast tip and attach the sabiki with a swivel and torpedo weight. That way after I make bait I can use this rod to throw swimbaits or lures if I want by just removing the sabiki at the swivel or if I need to can reattach the sabiki very quickly if out of bait.

Spinning vs. casting, I've tried both and each works fine. I am currently using a spinning outfit because the other rods I carry are conventional.

Dean

Instead of using a sabiki rod, I use a casting rod with small single footed guides. Then I use a piece of pvc pipe over it to sleeve all the hooks. Works great. I also put a flag on the end for extra visability. The rod is much more sensitive and guides fit inside the pipe.

Thanks for the advice, guys.  I'll give your idea a try Jonesz.  So to actually catch baitish, do you jig for them? troll? and around how deep do I want my rig to go? thanks again for the great advice, fella's.

Pern

A fishfinder will help you locate bait balls or you can often just look for birds diving and sealions chasing bait. Sometimes you have to put in some time hunting it down. But it is worth the effort. Work your sabiki up and down jigging it in the bait ball.

   Now we have to find a use for all the tubular sabiki poles that I and others have bought, tried,  and given up on! 
   Too heavy, too stiff, one more rod to keep track of.  Now I just cut the sabiki rig in two and make two rigs, so I only have 3 or 4 hooks snagging at any time, and clip it on one of my regular rods when I need it, and wind it up and stow it when I'm done.